The Grassroots Post

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LONDON & THE HOME COUNTIES EDITION

AUGUST 2021

FREE!

VOL. 01 ISSUE 05

PLUS :

KEO LESCOTT WN! !V ON GRAS ASSELL! SROOTS!

GRASSROOTS' FINEST FUN QUIZ: WHO ARE YA?

THE GRASSROOTS AWARDS!

SPOND: A MANAGER'S NEW BEST FRIEND

THE FUTURE OF FUTSAL

THE TEAM

CONTRIBUTORS Our contributors for Issue 5 are grassroots players, volunteers, coaches and supporters too, and they fit perfectly into a fluid possession-based 4-3-3 system.

TAYYIBA YUNUS I turn up because I love the game. I love the competitiveness of football but can also enjoy a friendly kickabout with friends.

It’s been amazing to meet people that have become some of my closest friends, all thanks to a common love of football.

PAUL ROMANS In a game that has gone mad with money at the top level, grassroots football is the place where the game still feels like

TOM OVERBURY

it’s “ours”, that it’s still a game

I moved to London ten years ago

for everyone. Plus, there’s no

and through Westminster Wan-

better feeling than a good slide

derers and grassroots football I've

tackle (no, I didn’t score many).

created some of the best memories and best friends I've ever had.

OLIVER GOODWIN

It's everything, and I'll continue

Sometimes I wonder why I turn

to turn up on a Sunday until my

up. No changing rooms, in your

body doesn't allow me to!

pants on the side of a pitch somewhere in Worcester on a February morning. But then you see their back four, you know there's goals to be had. That's what it's all about. Goals. Oh, and never forget the post-match pint.

ALICIA POVEY I put on a lot of different hats when I turn up each week: social media guru, Futsal player/ vice-captain, grass or beach footballer, but despite the differences, the reason I turn up is because I love it, and I couldn’t imagine my life without the game.

3

MIKE BACKLER (Player / Manager) I turn up because the best periods of my life - physically, socially and above all, mentally - have occured when I’ve been part of a grassroots football team that I love. It’s absolutely no coincidence.

ANDREW MARTIN I grew up playing in the

SHAMEEK FARRELL

suburbs of County Durham, on

For me, grassroots football

patches of grass sewn together

is the heart and soul of the

with concrete paths. Me and

beautiful game that we all know

my pals used a “NO BALL

and love. I love working closely

GAMES” sign as a goalpost. I

with the players that I coach,

still play eight-a-side, and still

and I take great pride in finding

get that same adrenaline rush,

creative but holistic ways to

minus the act of petty rebellion.

help unlock their potential both on and off the pitch.

MILLIE CHESTERS

JOHN EAGER

My favourite thing about

I have always lived and breathed

grassroots football is how

football and now my kids feed off

positive it is for people’s

the same passion and love it as

lives - it's diverse and

much as I do! Whether it's con-

inclusive of all kinds of

tributing for TGP, running my own

people. Players can be

team or volunteering as League

themselves, grow together,

Secretary on the Barnet Sunday

have fun and create com-

Football League committee,

munities. It’s so important

there’s nothing better than being

and makes me happy!

involved in grassroots football!

GEM ATKINSON To me, grassroots football crystallises the very concept of

LUCY MERTEKIS

self-improvement through sport.

I’ve been a stalwart of the side-

Millions of participants, regardless

lines since I was four years old,

of ability, experience, age, race,

watching my brother play in the

gender - all playing, building re-

wind and rain every Sunday.

lationships, bettering themselves.

That somehow hasn’t put me

Being part of that is addictive.

off grassroots football and I’m now a writer and sub-editor at The Grassroots Post!

HELLO 4

Five issues feels like a bit of a mini milestone for us. Of course, we’d love to be here in fifty, or a hundred - after all, how hard can it be to chuck out a free paper every now and then? Well, it’s not been the simplest of times to run a grassroots paper. But we’re here at the beginning of the most important season in grassroots history, with crowds returning, clubhouses open and changing rooms buoyant, and that feels special.

So it feels like a good time to say thank you to everyone who’s helped us find our feet. A big thanks to our stockists - true grassroots people, our designer - the best in the biz, our contributors - who all share our passion for the game and to our partners, who do too.

Many brands or publications find it awkward talking about the support they get from partners or advertisers. For us, it’s always been simple. We work with partners that enhance the grassroots game and that our audience, as players, coaches, managers, volunteers and supporters can benefit from.

This isn’t a publication that will crowbar in betting ads while shining a light on the positive societal impact of grassroots

football. It would be disingenuous, to say the least.

For us, everything works together. Audience, publication, partnerships. All for the betterment of the game, the financial and physical health of grassroots clubs and players, the overall improvement of the grassroots experience and an increase in participation and inclusivity across the country. We want this paper to champion the very best of grassroots football as well as educate and support you in your grassroots ventures, and these products play a massive part.

For example, on Page 20, I talk about an app I’ve used for three seasons: Spond. Way before we started The Grassroots Post. It’s benefitted me hugely as a grassroots manager. If you start to use them as a manager too you’ll get countless hours of your life back, they’ll continue to support us, and we’ll continue to shine a light on the positive stories within the amateur game. Everybody wins! Why shouldn’t we be transparent about this stuff? It’s as authentic as it gets.

My team recently purchased some goalposts on wheels from Mark Harrod. The lads are elated that they are not building rusty

goalposts at 9.30am anymore.

We’re just bloody wheeling them out, humming a tune as we go!

On Page 54, you can get £300 off a set for your club by entering their competition. Do it! What have you got to lose!?

Joymo will tell you on Page 48 how livestreaming can help your club financially. Catapult will help you be a better player on Page 29. Footy Addicts will help you get a game in a new city, whatever your level, on Page 32. Man V Fat will help you lose weight doing something you love on Page 42. WOW Hydrate will help your players hydrate like the pros and have offered a discount on Page 44! Coaches' Voice can help you be a better coach on Page 62. The common denominator is that they can all help you. Help us by bearing them in mind ;) Thanks for reading. Whether it’s the first time you’ve picked us up or you’ve been there from day one, we’re truly grateful. We want to be a staple of grassroots football for a long time to come, and to keep championing the very best of it, and we can’t do it without you.

Now get out there and enjoy it.

Mike Backler, Editor

PARTICIPATION

Interview: The Grassroots Post @thegrassrootspost

STATE OF PLAY:

MARTIN KEOWN This month, we spoke with former England and Arsenal defender Martin Keown – who is an ambassador for McDonald’s grassroots football programme – to discuss how a buoyant national team boosts grassroots football participation.

On the back of a hugely challenging eighteen months for society and football, we chat about the heroes of the FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards, McDonald’s Fun Football initiative to give kids free access to football and why there are exciting times to come for the game.

TGP: After eighteen very tough months all round, why is grassroots football more important than ever?

Martin Keown: Right now, it is impossible not to feel a renewed passion for football across the country. Grassroots is the lifeblood of our sport. It is where all football journeys start.

The last eighteen months or so have been such a challenging period, during which the football calendar has been suspended, clubs have had financial difficulties and an impossible situation on logistics.

But thanks to the extraordinary hard work and commitment of individuals and groups, football has adapted to the challenges of the pandemic and there is nothing more exciting than seeing the buzz around a football pitch now.

Exercising and playing sport is so important for both mental and physical wellbeing. And with kids facing

eighteen months of disruption with lockdown and home-schooling, getting them active and playing with their friends again is critical.

I started playing grassroots football when I was eight years old. Despite starting off as a striker rather than a centre-back, I never looked back.

However, the lessons of grassroots team sport aren’t limited to children. Whatever age you may be, social interaction and team bonding through football really does offer a sense of belonging and the happiness and confidence it brings with it.

TGP: What kind of impact do you think England’s run in the Euros can have on grassroots football?

Do you think we’ll see a spike in participation?

MK: Whilst it was penalty heartbreak for the Three Lions once more at the final hurdle, the national team has made giant strides un-

der Gareth Southgate. Both in terms of on-pitch performance but also in its connection with the public.

The England job has long been seen as an impossible one, but Southgate leads by positive example and the way he communicates and conducts himself has resonated with the fans.

When you have teenagers on the world stage, several of whom were playing grassroots football just a few short years ago, it is easy for other young people to recognise them and be inspired by that.

Grassroots has a cyclical relationship with the professional game. Participation spikes when the national team does well. In turn, this fuels the game at an elite level – more interest, more attention and more players.

We are already seeing that spike in participation come through. Fun Football, McDonald’s programme run in partnership with the four UK FAs to provide free football sessions for five-to-eleven-year-olds, has had to react to that demand and put on extra sessions.

What is really exciting is that registrations from new players, who are taking their first steps in football, increased by more than double following the Euros final, spiking at 111% after England defeated Denmark to make the final.

For me, I fell in love with football in the summer of 1974 inspired by Kevin Keegan and John Toshack at Liverpool and Johan Cruyff’s Netherlands at the World Cup. Now, up and down the country, children in playgrounds and fields are dreaming of becoming the next Kalvin Phillips or Ellen White.

This country is ready to host the Women’s Euros next year, which is another tremendously exciting event to be looking forward to and its potential impact is, again, huge.

I really hope the whole country unites behind the Lionesses and

7

we can be involved in another final to families and is working to help reat Wembley again. move barriers of access to football.

The McDonald’s Fun Football proTGP: McDonald’s Fun Football gramme launched in 2018 and the delivered its five millionth hour 5,000,000-hour landmark was reached this month at Wembley Stadium. a year ahead of schedule, despite the That is some milestone. pandemic. This really is a remarkable MK: This was a truly special day. As achievement and all thanks to the work well as the excellent McDonald’s Fun of the coaches, staff and the families Football coaches, I was part of a team who take part in making it happen. of former England internationals Like any successful team, the hard which included Casey Stoney, Frank work does not stop here and McDonLampard and Sir Geoff Hurst who ald’s has vowed to deliver another 1.5 helped to lead drills for more than million hours of free Fun Football a hundred children throughout the over the next twelve months. day on the Wembley pitch.

Between their grins, the kids I TGP: You presented awards at the spoke to told me they were inspired FA and McDonald’s Grassroots to take to the field by their heroes Football Awards. Why is that someat the Euros. The focus of the pro- thing that’s important to you? gramme is on creating a safe, fun and MK: McDonald’s has been a supinclusive football environment and porter of the FA for the last ninefor these young people to be playing teen years – it’s the longest standing under the Wembley arch will be a investor in grassroots football in the memory they cherish forever.

UK. The partnership has supported Not every child who begins playing thousands of grassroots clubs, infootball is going to turn professional cluding those that started the careers – and at that age we shouldn’t be put- of our national team. ting pressure on them to do anything The FA and McDonald’s Grassother than express themselves and roots Football Awards are a chance enjoy the game. to champion community football.

More than 300 centres nationwide As well as players and coaches, it’s will host McDonald’s Fun Football a chance to turn the spotlight on sessions this autumn. Importantly, the organisers, officials, volunthe programme is completely free teers and grounds teams who play

a vital role in creating possibilities for others.

I had the honour of presenting the Grassroots Club of the Year Award to Omonia Youth FC from North London. The team were recognised for their terrific work beyond the pitch, helping 450 children to handle life through lockdown with online coaching sessions. The team has also introduced four new girls’ teams and delivers speciality coaching for disability coaches.

Another award-winner who stands out is Dr Sarah Griffiths, who has combined being a full-time doctor with founding a disability football team in Oxfordshire focused on creating opportunities for young people with cerebral palsy to enjoy themselves through football.

I always leave that event feeling so inspired and humbled by the work and commitment put in by the winners. Huge congratulations to all of the award-winners for changing the lives of so many people.

TGP: You’ve won Premier Leagues, FA Cups and gone to World Cups.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to take their first steps in grassroots football, as a player, coach or volunteer?

MK: My advice for anyone who wants to be involved in football – as a player, a coach, a volunteer – is that this is where it starts. Whatever your ambitions in the game, you can nurture your love and grow your experience at the grassroots level.

So, pack your boots, your oranges, your raincoats; there is no better place to start than your local grassroots community and no better time to be involved than now. TGP Find a McDonald’s Fun Football session near you at: mcdonalds.co.uk/football.

AWARDS

Words: The Grassroots Post @thegrassrootspost

Images: Getty Images @gettyfc

The FA & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards Earlier this August we were lucky enough to be at a lavish awards ceremony before the FA Community Shield in Wembley Stadium’s Great Hall, where the great and good of grassroots football volunteers were rewarded, recognised and celebrated for their tireless efforts in dedicating countless hours to providing inclusive opportunities and inspiring the grassroots community.

9

JOLEON LESCOTT ON GRASSROOTS! Thinking about it now and having kids in the system, the responsibilities of the

In their twelfth year, there were twelve different winners, with the awards

parents and the coaches were huge when

taking on special significance this year as they also celebrated those who

I was growing up. To get me to training, to

have done exceptional things during the pandemic to support their clubs and

meet me somewhere, pick me up, drop

communities. It was truly very moving to hear so many positive stories and see

me off, get me to games, make sure I

so many positive people, all doing such incredible work in grassroots football,

had my kit. I wouldn’t say there was one

and all in one room.

person in particular - it was a team effort

The recipients spent the half-time break on the hallowed Wembley turf in front

to get me to where I am. A community.

of the crowd at the Home of Football, receiving their awards from former Eng-

Playing as a kid was special. Travelling

land internationals including Faye White, Joleon Lescott, Casey Stoney, Martin

with your mates, their families, all together.

Keown, Rachel Yankey, Darius Vassell, Jack Rutter and Sir Geoff Hurst.

Even as a professional, the best teams are

And the winners were...

the ones that are a team of mates. Ones where you don’t want to let them down.

My first team was at nine years of age. It was a nationwide league called Little League. I’m not sure if it went north of Birmingham but definitely south. I lived in a place called Quinton outside Birmingham and we had six teams in

CAMERON WOOD RISING STAR OF THE YEAR AWARD

our league, then we’d represent the league and our community against other leagues. That was my first taste of travelling with football and recognising

The troubles of the pandemic have hit young

that there was talent all over the country.

people in some of the hardest ways, with many

It was an unreal experience.

suffering with mental health and isolation over

After grassroots, I was scouted at

lockdown. Cameron established a podcast for

about twelve years old. I wanted to be

the Herefordshire FA Youth Council to help

a midfielder and actually scored a few

young people suffering with poor mental health

goals! Wolves brought me in and this

and loneliness. It allowed young people from

was when academies were getting

across the country to talk about topics such

serious, so you weren’t allowed to play

as mental health, disability, discrimination and

Sunday League. So I left! Back to grass-

sexuality, as well as football, and helped so

roots. All I wanted to do was play with

many feel connected during a difficult time.

my friends. I’ve taken that enjoyment of

Cameron has never let having cerebral palsy

it into my career. I’ve loved every day. I

define him or be an obstacle to his tremendous

love training even more than I do match-

ambition and dedication to helping disabled

es. My school was lucky enough to get

footballers play the game they love. Cameron

funding from the local council and have

strives to give a voice not only to those with

an astroturf put in, so every local team

disabilities but to all young people within Here-

would train there, and I would just head

fordshire and the football community.

up there three nights a week, sit there

If all of that impact was not enough, Cam-

and wait for someone to drop out so I

eron is also the Chair of the Herefordshire FA

could join in. It was the pure enjoyment

Youth Council, which involves him engaging

of it. Whatever your background, you

with schools and junior teams to get their views

could get out there, train hard and be on

on local football provision. All of this hard work

a level playing field.

makes Cameron an outstanding rising star.

10 DR SARAH GRIFFITHS BOBBY MOORE AWARD Sarah was nominated for the Bobby Moore Award for the fantastic impact she has had upon the Summertown Stars Warriors Cerebral Palsy team, and the difference she has made to the entire Summertown community. Sarah began her work with the Warriors when she saw the limited availability for children with cerebral palsy to get into football.

Sarah gained sponsorship to set up the entire team, covering everything from coaches to refreshments. Her continued work and dedication to the Warriors has allowed the team and children with CP to thrive by learning new skills, teamwork and making friends.

On top of these commitments, she also works full time as a doctor for the NHS. Her dedication and positive can-do attitude is one that has inspired the whole of the Warriors and has allowed the team to flourish into a thriving inclusive team.

GRAHAM ROSE GROUNDS TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD Graham Rose has dedicated the last twenty years to Redcar Town FC. His remarkable story started as a parent bringing his children to the Saturday football sessions put on by the club, and he has been involved ever since. As well as attaining his coaching badges and coaching the Under 18s squad, he also took up the role of groundsman. Graham is always ensuring the pitch is up to the highest standard and is out working in all weathers, rain or shine, with a smile on his face. When he’s not looking after the pitch, he is the club’s first team photographer, social media officer and also produces the match day programme.

During the pandemic Graham went above and beyond to maintain the club’s grounds. Not only did he lay standing ground around the main pitch, but he also built a covered terrace area and a free-standing score board, as well as carrying out an extensive pitch maintenance programme. Graham is integral to Redcar Town FC and the community is truly indebted to him and his hard work.

CARA WALL SPIRIT OF GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL AWARD Cara is an inspiration and embodiment of football’s spirit of determination and perseverance. She has played as a striker in various Shrewsbury Junior girls’ and women’s sides for over ten years. At the age of eighteen, Cara was diagnosed with cancer, but continued to train and play even while going through the hardest parts of chemotherapy. When she lost her hair, she did not take her football boots off and sought out special permission to wear a hat whilst playing. Cara has never let any challenges that life has thrown at her get in her way, and she continues to play to this day.

Her team have been an enormous source of support for her and have been with her since her diagnosis. And when things were looking at their worst, they raised money together so Cara would be able to complete her bucket list, which included meeting her personal hero Steven Gerrard.

Cara’s story is one of resilience, determination and shows the power football has to bring out the best in us.

CHARLIE O’BRIEN

DARIUS VASSELL ON GRASSROOTS!

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

My coach for my Sunday League team inspired me. Being here today, it does bring back some memories. I only played for one Sunday League

Charlie is only seventeen

team: Romelus Boys. A lot of players played for

but has already had a

different teams for different reasons but mine

monumental impact on

were always linked to that coach. I’ve got lots

Avro FC. The youngster man-

of great memories, playing at tournaments and

ages everything from pitch

going away to Pontins and Butlins.

bookings to digitalising all his team’s records and banking

I started at Under 9s and went all the way up to Under 14s before I was scouted by Aston Villa.

systems. He regularly invests

They were just putting in place the restrictions

significant amounts of his

that meant you couldn’t play for any other teams

own personal time at the

so unfortunately I had to leave, but I was leaving

club to personally oversee

to play for Aston Villa, so I was like, “bye!”

everything. Charlie has been instrumental in securing the

They were great experiences. Learning a lot about yourself. When I say great experience,

official Kick it Out Equality

looking back at it as an adult, they were great

charter, making Avro the first

experiences because they shaped me and made

club in the area to be award-

me a better person. As a child they weren’t all great.

ed the prestigious charter.

Charlie is an outstanding

I remember crying a lot. Used to get substituted and I didn’t didn’t always understand why! So

young man and goes about

getting over those things in grassroots, staying

his work in a quiet, unassum-

away from my family and getting used to that... it

ing way, always giving 100%

helps you grow.

dedication to any project he sets his eyes on. His work

I’m on a table with some award-winners and getting more of an in-depth understanding of

has made him a role model

them and what they’ve achieved. They run a

not just for those involved

league in Newcastle of over 16,000 players and

with youth football, but for

kept it alive during the pandemic. I was thinking

all young people across the

about these kids sitting at home and they made

country. His high standards

sure there was still football. If that was me at

and commitment make him

that age, stuck indoors, I’d be going absolutely

an outstanding example of

nuts. That’s all you want to do, play football. I

what young people can do

have to give them credit for that, and it really

for their community.

resonated with me.

In my role as a coach of the youth team at Wolves, it’s the social side and psychological

KRISTIAN SILCOCK MATCH OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

side that’s most important to instil in young players. Being part of a team. Being a productive

When the pandemic struck, Kris quickly realised the impact

member. Not just on the pitch, but off it. Being

Covid-19 would have on his fellow match officials in the Liv-

able to handle adversity. Being resilient.

erpool area – especially the impact social isolation would have on

Grassroots football is massive. My daughter

mental health. As a result, he organised support and training groups

is six now and I’m asking questions about the

so referees would always have someone to talk to during a really

earliest ages you can get into football. Because

difficult period. Kris set himself a goal during lockdown: to help others

I’ve realised all the other things that you can gain

in his community to create positive change throughout the time spent

and learn from it. Knowing how to be a part of a

at home. With his support, the officials’ group became autonomous in

team. How to be depended on and depend on

their approach to keeping fit and being open about their mental health.

others. The improvements in getting females into

Kristian guided his match official community through the

football, disabilities into football. The more people

hardest times and his actions have created a long-lasting positive

you can get involved, the better it is for society.

change, making him a deserving recipient of the Grassroots Match Official of the Year award.

12

WENDY BENSON

MARY PHILLIP

OMONIA YOUTH FC

GRASSROOTS COACH OF THE YEAR FOR YOUTH TEAMS AWARD

GRASSROOTS COACH OF THE YEAR FOR ADULT TEAMS AWARD

GRASSROOTS CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARD

Mary has been an active member of

Omonia Youth FC has led the way

Wendy is a remarkable coach who

Peckham Town FC since 2000 and

in supporting mental wellbeing for

always manages to go the extra

has been instrumental to the growth and

their players. The club has been a ray

mile. Her hard work and dedication

provision of football for both boys and

of light in a dark and difficult year and

to providing footballing opportunities

girls at the club. She ran the inter-estate

has risen to every challenge thrown at

for disabled children is inspiring. Since

football leagues around Peckham for

them throughout the pandemic. They

Wendy joined the Braunton FC Ability

thirteen years and was key in delivering

constantly adapt by offering online

Junior team in 2019, the side has seen

free football sessions to over 20,000

coaching sessions, virtual quizzes and

an increase in participation from two to

children. Mary was able to achieve this

Zoom get togethers, as well as providing

seventeen players. Her impact on mak-

astonishing accomplishment while

their community with entertainment

ing each session accessible to anyone

raising her children and playing at the

and much-needed connection. The club

of any ability cannot be understated.

very top of women’s football. Mary is

supported many people who felt lonely

Wendy often consults with the parents

now the manager of Peckham Town FC’s

and isolated throughout lockdown, and

and researches each child’s disabili-

first team and is the first woman to win a

although they couldn’t physically be

ty. She then modifies her sessions to

men’s senior trophy in the UK.

together, the spirit of the football club

ensure each child gets the most enjoyment out of them.

Most importantly of all, Wendy sets

Mary has also made a huge impact throughout her playing career; she was

was kept very much alive.

Omonia has also been a leader in

the first black captain of the England

increasing diversity within the grassroots

the bar for commitment. Even during

Women’s team and the first woman

game, priding itself on its “football for

the pandemic when she was forced to

to have a child and return to play for

all” ethos. It is a testament to that ethos

shield, she still ensured that the spirit of

England – achieving all of this whilst still

that they have gone from having no

Braunton FC lived on by putting on extra

giving her all for Peckham FC. She is an

girls’ teams to four, as well as creating

football sessions outside of each lock-

inspiration to all in the game.

disability training sessions. The club

down and was described as a consistent

has helped all of its thirty-two teams

source of positivity. Her drive, coaching

and 450 children in overcoming any

aptitude, warm personality and steely

challenge they might face.

determination makes Wendy a deserving winner of the Coach of the Year award.

NORTHUMBERLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE GRASSROOTS LEAGUE OF THE YEAR AWARD The Northumberland Football League supports over 16,000 players across all ages, with its women’s and girls’ sections growing to nine teams recently. The team behind the league always listen to their members and adapt. They have been instrumental in creating a Covid strategy that allows its members to get back to the game they love, while keeping the parents safe.

The volunteers are selfless; they go the extra mile for every team in the league with hours of unpaid support. The league also supports its referees with in-house mentoring and onsite support, as well as operating a social fund which supports players and families in their greatest time of need.

The impact of this league on its wider community has been a standout example of the power football has in bringing us together. The league committee’s work in keeping their 138 divisions playing with a minimal loss of games throughout the pandemic is an upstanding example of their achievements.

WESTEND JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB GRASSROOTS PROJECT OF THE YEAR The children of Westend Junior Football Club can be described as true altruists. During the hardest points of the pandemic, the club and its members have been a helping hand to those hardest hit. Over the course of the lockdown, twenty-five local volunteers dedicated their time to support the most vulnerable in the Huddersfield community. The young volunteers selflessly collected donations for food banks, helped vulnerable elderly people self-isolating and supported a Covid-19 Christmas mission, donating clothing for the homeless and delivering “Pamper Packages” for hardworking NHS staff. They are an inspiration to their community and Huddersfield’s very best.

As a club, they have managed to raise over £100,000, deliver 3,000 food items to local food banks and donated over 2,500 items of clothing to the homeless, refugees and asylum seekers. The actions taken by this community are fully deserving of the Grassroots Project of the Year award.

ASHFORD MCDONALD’S FOOTBALL RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR Ashford McDonald’s is a shining example of the impact a franchisee can have upon their local community through football.

Franchisee Paul Crocker’s Ashford High Street restaurant has supported Bromley Green FC since 2016, with everything from kit donations to trophies and Christmas parties.

Bromley Green is a community-oriented club that engages with children from the age of four years upwards, including those with disabilities, and has added extra teams to meet the growing interest in football for girls. In partnership with Paul’s restaurants, Bromley Green provided their players with meal vouchers over the pandemic, ensuring no child had to study at home during lockdown without school dinners. The two organisations have also combined to create a new clubhouse which doubles as a homework club and safe space for Bromley’s young players. TGP

FUTSAL

Words: Alicia Povey @lishapovs

Images: Marc Morris & FA National Futsal Series

The Future of Futsal

17

A loss of funding, a national team and the ability to play indoors for over for a year, and yet the future of Futsal in the UK is brighter than ever. Alicia Povey explains why Futsal is not just surviving, but thriving.

"There’s a certifiable army of players, supporters, organisers, creatives & coaches who live and breathe this sport"

The pandemic has been exceptionally tough for every sport, there’s no question about that. Fixtures cancelled, teams scattered in lockdown, stadiums standing empty week in, week out and players waiting with baited breath to find out when they could return.

Futsal was no exception to this rule. But, on top of the challenges that we all faced during lockdown, the sport had to wait even longer to return to “normality”, with indoor sports being one of the final considerations in the roadmap. On top of that, widespread cuts by governing bodies saw the dissolution of the England national team set-up and, more generally, any financial security pulled from underneath it. It’s hard enough to rebuild an entire sport after more than a year without the ability to play, but when you add financial insecurity and the annihilation of a clear elite development structure to a sport that’s in its infancy, it appears doomed to fail.

But Futsal has a way of staying alive, even in the most difficult of conditions. Perhaps its longevity stems from its birth in the tough favelas of Latin America, or perhaps the dream of Futsal being a widely accepted sport in England is kept alive by the volunteers, coaches and players who campaigned to #SaveFutsal at the first sight of austerity (check out the hashtag and see how much it took off). Whatever the reasons may have been, Futsal didn’t just roll

ing these team bonds, the enjoyment of the sport and just moving around was crucial to all involved.

Seeing different players and teams talk, laugh and smile on the side whilst watching other games created the laid-back, informal feel we had aspired for.”

The FPL hit the perfect balance between welcoming players and fans back into the world of Futsal after a long break, creating a fun environment for players young over and die a slow and painful death in England; in fact, it could be in the best place it's ever been.

So, enough of the doom and gloom. What’s the future of this beautiful sport in England and where has the journey taken it recently?

Futsal Premier League The Futsal Premier League (FPL) came to life as the return of outdoor sport was announced. The brainchild of Jon Kurrant and Juan Tapia Owens, the FPL gave teams from all routes of Futsal the opportunity to play at arguably the best outdoor Futsal court in England - the Westway, London. The competitive element of the competition was obviously a fantastic showcase for the sport, but as Juan Tapia Owens made clear, there were plenty of other elements that made it special: “After being away from competitive Futsal for so long, recreat-

and old to get competitive game time and also sharing fantastic social media content which engaged the wider community.

Not only that, but it has shown that there are multiple avenues that can be explored in how clubs, fans and players try to grow Futsal in the future. The model that the FPL adopted could act as a mould for other clubs and organisations to follow, with outdoor Futsal as a viable option (despite the English weather!).

Juan Tapia Owens explains: “I think it has given Futsal a different potential direction and area it can really thrive in. We have always thought about it being played indoors and formally within the UK but seeing the FPL work and people coming to either enquire or watch the game proved to us the necessity to showcase our sport in different ways. Recreationally, we aren’t at the level of the small grass five-a-side form of the game, but courts like Westway can definitely help drive that.”

FA National Futsal Series Summer Showdown The FA National Futsal Series (NFS) sits at the top of the Futsal pyramid in England and, prior to Covid-19, had been gearing up for their biggest season yet. A stringent recruitment process for new teams was undertaken by league management during the lockdown and both the men’s and women’s divisions were bolstered ready for the new season which it was hoped would start in October 2020.

The October start date came and went, and it became evident that no indoor Futsal would be able to happen for the foreseeable future.

The new lockdown over Christmas and into the new year saw all sports again put on hold, before the government roadmap made it clear that the return to indoor Futsal was a long way off - May 17, to be precise.

Everyone behind the scenes at the FA National Futsal Series worked diligently over the enforced break to bring a new-look competition to England. The “Summer Showdown” tournament was launched as relative freedom flooded throughout the country. Top class venues, coverage on YouTube and FreeSports TV, professional commentary, England’s strongest teams … Oh, and some fantastic Futsal.

The tournament was something that everyone in the Futsal world

19

could get behind. Months after the #SaveFutsal movement first emerged, fighting for the very survival of the sport, social media was buzzing with the very best of Futsal on show. Thousands tuned in each week to watch both the men’s and women’s matches, new fans were sharing goals and skills that impressed them and existing Futsal players finally put faces to names, with the network and support system becoming stronger than ever. It wasn’t just new fans that the Summer Showdown attracted, though. The finals of the competition were also picked up by BT Sport and televised live - a first for Futsal in England.

You could say that the Summer Showdown was a dress rehearsal for the restart of the league for the 2021/22 season, and my oh my, what a high bar they’ve set with it! If we talk about the future of Futsal in England, it’s now impossible to do so without the FA National Futsal Series. There have been so many steps forward in such a short period of time and this league will only go from strength to strength and gain the prestige that it deserves.

ly, it's interesting to note that despite the top level of Futsal becoming more and more professional with social media coverage, TV deals and top-class players, the game itself is still classed as “grassroots” by the FA. You only have to watch the highlights from the National Futsal Series Summer Super Series to see that professionalism in action, and, in all honesty, the fact that the top level of any sport - especially one as fast-growing as Futsal - is classed as “grassroots” is nonsensical.

Similarly, the lack of an England team takes away from the importance and growth of the sport.

There are plenty of players who would have the capability and desire to represent the nation on the world stage, and, seeing the skill on show in the NFS, they would be real contenders, too. Young players need something to aspire to, and the lack of international representation will hold the sport back for current and future generations. Perhaps the adoption of a similar model to the England Beach Football set-up, where they operate independently from the FA but represent the nation, could be the answer to this particular problem in the future.

State of play & future But despite these challenges, there are certainly plenty of posiSo, as with every sport, there are tives that will see the sport grow and positives and negatives in the prosper. Perhaps the most obvious world of Futsal at the moment. First- is that there is huge demand for

Futsal. More and more young players are joining Futsal clubs and with this increased popularity we’re also seeing new clubs pop up around England. Where there used to be a handful of Futsal clubs to choose from, we’re seeing more choice and therefore more competition. As they say, the more the merrier!

Increased visibility on television, YouTube and on social media has and will be vital for the growth of English Futsal. There’s an army of volunteers out there photographing, reporting on, commentating on and raising the profile of the game, and without those people, the game wouldn’t survive in this increasingly digital market. It’s clearly a positive that the sport has talented people marketing it, and with their help, we’ll see the sport grow on and off the pitch.

That last point touches on perhaps the most important thing to remember about Futsal when discussing its future: the people involved. There’s a certifiable army of players, supporters, organisers, creatives and coaches who live and breathe this sport and if I had written this article imagining that these people didn’t exist, I wouldn’t have been able to write a single word.

Even with financial cuts, challenges with Covid-19 and battling the English weather, everyone who is involved in this sport wants it to succeed, which is what makes it an almost sure thing that it will do.

So, in terms of state of play, here’s where we’re at: Futsal is growing, the future is bright and the people associated with this sport will not let it fail. There’ll be challenges along the way, of course, but I’d always back Futsal to come out stronger on the other side. TGP

ADMINISTRATION

Words: Mike Backler @backlermike

Website: www.spond.com/

Opposite: Avoid those questions! Match info: time, address, fee (payable on the app) attendees

Why I Use Spond

EDITOR'S PICK!

Below: A breakdown of upcoming fixtures and attendance

Grassroots managers! We’re always keen to share ways to make things easier for you. And I don’t say it lightly, Spond will change your life.

The most precious commodity of a

bility a lot easier, you can easily

grassroots volunteer is time. Espe-

import all fixtures in at once,

cially for managers. The more we

auto reminders so you don’t

have, the more we can do with it and

have to remember, each player

the more enjoyable it can be. I’ve

can accept or decline - worth

been involved in grassroots football,

a look. I found WhatsApp a

mainly as a player, for twenty-eight

nightmare and too much ban-

years and in the last three seasons

ter and spam when you just

as a manager. So I’ve seen a fair bit,

want in/outs etc.”

and learned a great deal from all

Now this message above

sorts of different approaches to team

summarises it perfectly, and

management and administration.

we’ve never looked back. But

From the days when managers,

then I was actively looking for

God bless them, used to block out an

something simpler and clearer

evening, open up their contact book, and

and that could save me time.

phone parents and players about the up-

Grassroots managers are a tra-

coming weekend’s fixture. To as close as

ditional bunch. A lot still collect

seven years ago, when I ran a six-a-side

fivers in a tin. Why if they’ve

team in London by email. Neither are

got by for eighteen years would

exactly ideal for last-minute updates and

they need to change? Because

real-time communication.

as managers you can do more

So, in 2019, as manager of a new

than get by. You can streamline

team I’d set up, I opted for Facebook

everything you do using Spond,

initially, as many do. Three of the squad

and so much more, and I like the fellow

cline the games in that timeframe. And

didn’t even use it, so they got separate

manager that put me on to it, I couldn’t

what about chasing those who don’t

WhatsApp messages; a fair few rarely

recommend it more. And it’s free!

respond to the invite? Well, Spond

checked it, so they got chased. All in

It has everything you need to man-

automatically does that for you after a

all, it wasn’t working out. It was only

age your team efficiently. Setting up

certain time. It’s not over-exaggerating

when I was complaining about player

fixtures is effortless, whether they be

to say that it can save you hours every

availability for our third-ever friendly

unique matches or recurring training

week. All you need to do is download

that a fellow manager sent me this:

sessions. You can see clearly ahead, for

the app, set up your team and share an

“You mentioned you used WhatsApp

as many fixtures as you upload, who is

invite link with your players.

and Facebook - this season I moved to

available and who is not. Forget those

an app called Spond, which I was using

messages in WhatsApp that say “just

throughout the week. We’ve all asked

last year for my daughter’s team. It’s ex-

so you know I’m away in six weeks

them as players, too. Who are we

cellent; makes managing players’ availa-

time”. Players and parents can just de-

playing next week? What time are we

We all receive the same questions

21

"We all receive the same questions throughout the week. We’ve all asked them as players too" enjoy. And there’s no doubt that we’ve

awards and it has over a million active

all had excess work and stress on

users from 25,000 teams.

our plate with the numerous returns

I asked one of my team about it from

to football throughout the pandemic.

a player’s perspective. He replied: “I

New protocols, new and ever-changing

really like Spond. Super easy to use

information, new risk assessments and

and it’s really nice to see who else is

an extra feeling of responsibility for

playing and how many we have for the

people’s health and safety. The track

weekend at a quick glance. My other

and trace element is something that was

team manager uses WhatsApp and it’s

managed perfectly on Spond, with a

also a pain asking for postcodes every

clear breakdown of who is in attendance

week. It’s much easier on Spond as

and the functionality to contact them all

everything is all in one place.

immediately and privately. It’s also built for grassroots sport, whereas Facebook

“I’m going to suggest to him that we use Spond now.” TGP

and WhatsApp aren’t. So all of those potential pain points of GDPR, safeguarding and data privacy are taken care of.

Which gives a youth team manager meeting? What kit are we wearing?

massive peace of mind. The next step

What’s the postcode? What numbers

for us is to move our subs payments

have we got? Is Mary playing? How do

on to Spond as we currently transfer

I pay subs? With Spond, players can

individual fees into a separate bank ac-

get their own answers just by opening

count used for other things. This can get

the app. It’s all readily available.

incredibly messy for our Club Treasurer

And what happens if the information changes? Well, it has direct messag-

reconciling multiple small amounts.

So, what’s the catch? Is it hard to set

ing for real-time communication, too.

up? No, honestly, anyone can do it. I

The way I use it is the night before the

don’t claim to be the most technologi-

match, I set up a message group with

cally proficient grassroots manager in

the confirmed attendees for that game

the world but if you can set up a meet-

and update if there are any issues at

ing on Google or Zoom, or a Facebook

all. This saves me spamming those that

event, you can do it. And if you can’t, it

are not there, and avoids any players

won’t take you long to learn. But it will

missing updates on WhatsApp that

give you back a ridiculous amount of

have long ago drifted off screen and

time to focus on what you love doing.

been replaced with numerous “good

Are you inundated with ads on the

luck today lads!” or any of the above

app? No, not one. It’s completely ad-

questions. Everyone is up to speed and

free. It’s just a simple, streamlined and

everyone who needs to be is involved.

well designed and executed tool. So

There can always be that part

why haven’t I heard of it? Maybe be-

of feeling like an administrator or a

cause we as managers make life hard

project manager, more than a coach

for ourselves! If you’re looking for ways

or manager. The latter is what you

to make your life and your player’s life

signed up for and what you love and

easier, you will come across it. It’s won

Above: List of attendees for one fixture, allowing you to create a message group for real time comms

" It will give you back a ridiculous amount of time to focus on what you love doing"

WALKING

Words: Lucy Mertekis

Images: Cheshunt Walking Football Club @Cheshunt–WFC

23 Championing causes. Working hard. Winning tournaments.

Cheshunt Walking Football Club are doing everything the right way.

Five years ago, Jonathon Sands was sitting at home when a Barclays Bank advert came on the television. You might remember the advert; a group of men aged fifty-plus are playing Walking Football and having a lovely time of it.

The sport piqued his interest – Jonathon was a keen goalkeeper, looking to get into Vets football – so, fast-forward a couple of years, he decided to form his own local Walking Football team in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. Jonathon is now the talismanic Chairman of Cheshunt Walking Football Club, which comprises six men’s teams (for players between the ages of fifty and seventy-plus) and two sparkling new women’s teams. He has also recently become the England Over 40s Women’s team coach for the Walking Football Association. Jonathon doesn’t do things by halves.

As is often the way in grassroots

football, setting up the club at the beginning wasn’t a walk in the park. “It was a struggle,” Jonathon recalls. “We tried to get people to come down for many months, and we had some nights where it felt like there were only three men and a dog coming along. We didn’t even play in the proper goals, we had little kiddie goals! But I persisted, and we went from having twenty or thirty people three years ago to now having 157 members, forty-seven of whom are women.”

The rise of the club can be attributed to the hard work and dogged determination of Jonathon to “do things the right way”.

From the off, Jonathon was the man at the helm, in more ways than one: “I was the chairman, the social secretary, the treasurer, the bottle washer, the tea maker, the sandwich maker”. The club is now affiliated to Cheshunt FC, play-

" I persisted, and we went from having twenty or thirty people three years ago to now having 157 members, forty-seven of whom are women"

ing predominantly in the Isthmian League Premier, and Jonathon is joined by a great committee of equally hardworking Walking Football fanatics who share his passion for the game.

Club Secretary and Over 70s player-manager Mick Malone recalls how he came to be involved in the club: “A couple of my pals had joined Cheshunt, enjoyed it immensely, and encouraged me to attend. I was converted immediately.

The organisation of our training sessions and competitive tournaments has always been first class and my fellow club members, male and female, are a fantastic bunch.”

Inspired by the mighty Shaun Sherrick and the Barnet Walking Football Club (who were featured in Issue 3 of The Grassroots Post), Jonathon aimed “to model our club on what they did” by encouraging people to come along to sessions whatever their ability, allowing people to mix, to socialise, and to play the game for no reason other than the sheer enjoyment of it. This is the beauty of Walking Football: it improves people’s physical and mental health, no matter whether they are returning to football after many years away, aiming to become more active after illness or injury, or trying out a sport for the first time in their lives. “We get some people who are still unsure, so I say, don’t worry, come along, try it out, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it,” says Jonathon.

It is this warm and nurturing atmosphere that keeps the players returning each week. “We’ve got people coming all the way from Norwich, Northampton, Brighton, London, to play for our club, because they like the way we’ve

" We make it so that we encourage people.

Because of that, everybody feels that they’re part of something special" set up. We make it so that we encourage people. Because of that, everybody feels that they’re part of something special.”

Alongside the camaraderie is a keen desire on the part of all players and staff to improve their local community. As Mick Malone observes, “Cheshunt are a total community club. Members, like myself, have had knee or hip replacements and heart surgery amongst some of the ailments which they have overcome, and the fantastic 4G surface that we play on is very forgiving. In my opinion, there is no better way to enjoy yourself and keep fit at the same time.” Included on Jonathon’s list of plans for the next few months

24

are various charity drives to give back to the Cheshunt community, as well as a search for more local organisations to sponsor the teams.

This sense of harmony was tested when the pandemic hit. Forced to shut down, with leagues and training sessions abandoned, Jonathon kept in touch with the whole team and made himself available to anyone in need. Then, devastating news came through: Arthur Cunningham, beloved member of the Over 70s team who had just been called up to the England Over 70s squad, sadly died of Covid at the beginning of the pandemic. You only have to glance at the Cheshunt WFC website to see the

high esteem Arthur was held in. He was, by all accounts, a true gentleman, and a much loved member of the Cheshunt family.

This difficult time brought the team members closer than ever, and so, never one to rest on his laurels, Jonathon embarked upon a new chapter for Cheshunt WFC. After a proactive push on social media and through word of mouth, in September 2020 a new women’s team was formed: Cheshunt Ladies Walking Football Club, playing in the Thames Valley League. At the first session, only four women turned up, but

by May 2021 they had more than forty women regularly taking part in two different teams – including a few England internationals. While competitive Walking Football games are generally reserved for women aged forty-plus, Cheshunt’s training sessions include women in their twenties and thirties as well, ensuring that no one is left out or turned away.

The women’s team has been managed by England Over 40s international captain Kathryn Critchell since its inception. Kathryn’s attitude to the club is very much the same as Jonathon’s. “It’s lovely how friendly everyone is, how welcoming. We’re a family team, and we wanted to make sure we have that feel-good ethos within the team,” Kathryn explains. “It’s as much about the social side of things as it is about the

football. Walking Football is a very inclusive sport, and Cheshunt particularly is a very inclusive side.

I think Cheshunt are now one of the strongest women’s teams in the South - certainly the biggest and quickest-developing team.”

“We have found that the women are so accommodating - they’re extremely adaptable and tolerant,” notes Jonathon. “They really are a collective and they encourage everybody.” This spirit of togetherness, instigated by Jonathon and Kathryn, has paid dividends in their matches, too. “They’ve won four tournaments out of the last five, and the one they didn’t win they lost in the final 1-0, which was brilliant because they were playing Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Chelsea … it was just an amazing situation.

They didn’t lose a game and didn’t concede a goal until the final.” The abundance of England internationals within the team, too, is a great testament to Kathryn’s men-

toring and support, and demonstrates how the club has developed its players over the last few months.

So, with Cheshunt going from strength to strength, what does Jonathon hope to achieve in the next year? “I’d like to see more aspects of mental health and disability being involved in the club,” he explains. “I’d like to bring in a lower age group and develop this over the next year so that people can feel that regardless of their abilities, they can participate in the game with a smile on their faces.”

There’s something special happening in Cheshunt, alright. Follow them on the socials, get yourself down to some matches and see for yourself what this brilliant group of people have in store this season. TGP

PERSONALITY TEST

League: ALL OF THEM, EVERYWHERE...

Words: Andrew Martin @ajmartin90

Illustrations: Millie Chesters @milliechesters

WHO ARE YA? There are a lot of personality quizzes out there, the most popular being the Myers-Briggs. According to Wikipedia, the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator is “an introspective self-report questionnaire indicating differing psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions”.

Blah, blah, blah, yada, yada, yada.

Here’s the real quiz: The Grassroots Who Are Ya? test. We’ve nailed down the six personality types present in every grassroots team that has ever existed. We’ve all played with them, we all know them. They’re our mates, they’re our colleagues, they are us. Answer the following questions completely honestly, then add up your score to reveal your 100% unofficial, scientifically destitute grassroots personality type.

1. Your team concedes a penalty - what do you do?

2. Your team is awarded a penalty - what do you do?

i] Turn away, eyes closed, hoping for the best.

i] Turn away, eyes closed, hoping for the best.

ii] Console your teammate with a “Chin up, mate. Happens to the best of us.”

ii] Suggest your out-of-form striker take it, give them a few reassuring words of encouragement as they step forward, knowing this could be the moment their season turns around.

They need this.

3. You’re given control of the pre-match changing room tunes. What are you playing? i] Top 40 on shuffle.

iii] Position yourself at the edge of the box, ready to spring into the area the very moment the penalty taker’s boot touches the ball, already formulating a counter-attack in your mind in case your keeper saves it. iv] Tell the ref exactly what you think of their decision, get sent off for dissent, draft a sheepish apology for the team WhatsApp group, accidentally send it to your ex, throw your phone in a river.

iii] You’re taking the penalty. You picked your corner before the match began, and you’re hitting it as hard as you can. You think Panenka penalties should be punished with a minimum eight-match ban or, ideally, six months in a maximum-security prison. iv] Take the ball from the designated penalty taker, improvise a stuttering runup, miss, blame the pitch.

ii] A playlist of pulses and beats scientifically designed to aid concentration. iii] Nessun Dorma. iv] You don’t believe in music.

27 4. You are in this position (Football Manager-style 2D diagram of a player about forty yards from goal with at least three defenders in front of them), what do you do? i] Pass back to the centre-back.

6) Your team is defending a corner. Where are you? i] Tying your laces on the halfway line. ii] Right in the middle of the action, marking their tallest player. iii] Guarding the front post.

ii] Play down the wing, try to get a half-decent cross into the box. iii] Dribble past each defender at least once, sit the keeper down, no-look finish. iv] SHOOOOOT!

5) You’ve got a last-minute corner. It’s 2-2. You need a win. Where are you? i] Lurking on the edge of the box, waiting to sweep up the scraps. ii] In the box, jostling for position, elbows sticking out just slightly more than they should be. iii] Taking the corner, signalling with both arms in the air - it’s a signal that not a single one of your teammates understands.

You don’t even understand it yourself. You’ll probably try to score direct from the corner and claim you meant it - something like that. iv] Demanding it be played short to you, trying to take on a defender as the fulltime whistle blows, ignoring the glare of your teammates.

iv] As close to the corner-taker as possible. Just staring at them, smiling.

8) What’s your go-to goal celebration? i] Total disbelief. This does not happen often.

7) One of your oldest mates is getting married. If today’s cup match goes to extra-time, you’ll miss the ceremony. What do you do? i] Fake an injury the day before the match. Some things are more important than football. ii] Play the match, but have a word with the team and make sure they know you can’t play extra-time if it goes that far.

ii] One hand in the air, Shearer-style. Classics never go out of fashion. iii] Roundoff back tuck with double twist. iv] Going full Temuri Ketsbaia on the goalposts.

9) Pre-match meal?

iv] Score an own goal in the 92nd minute, taking the match to extra-time, insist on taking a penalty in the inevitable shootout, turn up an hour late for the wedding reception, knee slide across the dancefloor with your tie Rambo-style around your head.

i] You pass the responsibility to someone else. You’re not an organiser. ii] Meal in a nice restaurant. A few speeches and light-hearted awards for “Best Hairdo” etc.

You’re presented with the Manager’s Player of the Year award. iii] Karaoke, air hockey, axe-throwing.

i] Dairylea Lunchables ii] Pasta & chicken

iii] Play the match, don’t tell your mate you’re playing, score an incredible winning goal in the last minute of normal time, and run to the wedding in your full kit.

10) You’re in charge of end-of-season celebrations. What are you planning?

iii] KFC iv] Fear

iv] Squad trip to Serbia for Partizan v Red Star. The eternal derby. Two-star Airbnb. Frequent visits from a wild dog who you fondly refer to as “Branimir”. A tangible sense of chaos.

28 11) What’s your warm-up routine? i] Absolutely minimal. ii] Light jogging, plenty of stretching, maybe some yoga - you only get one body.

13) You’re captain. The coach is panicking before an important match and asks you what formation you should play. What’s your answer? i] Not sure. ii] 4-4-2, obviously.

iii] Attempting to recreate that Maradona one where he boots it up in the air, juggles it on his shoulders, does a bit of dancing with his laces untied - all while your teammates are putting the goals up.

iii] 4-3-3 with you as a false 9. iv] What’s a formation?

i] Underlayer with a turtleneck. Socks pulled up Thierry Henry-style. ii] Short sleeves. Always.

Forever and ever. Amen. iii] Short sleeves with gloves. A real contradiction. iv] Your heart on your sleeve.

14 - 20 PTS: You’re a grassroots

nightmare. You’re only there for the glory. Have a long, hard think about why you’re playing.

21 - 27 PTS: You’re alright. You’re

steady. You do a job.

You’re not going to set the world alight, but you’re not going to watch it burn.

Utility player.

28 - 33 PTS: You are the captain.

You are absolutely integral to everything this team does. You are a manager’s dream. The club would fall apart without you.

iv] Twenty-five laps of the pitch.

12) It’s snowing but the game is going ahead.

What are you wearing?

THE RESULTS:

14) You’re through on goal, one-on-one with the keeper. Your teammate who hasn’t scored all season is wide open, with an open goal, and begging for the ball. What do you do? i] Try to dink the keeper. ii] Square it for your teammate. Team morale is everything. iii] Use your teammate as a decoy, give the keeper the eyes, nutmeg them and score. iv] Head down, smash the ball as hard as you can with your laces, hope for the best. TGP

34 - 42 PTS: You’re mercurial. You’re

the game-changer. You had trials at Chelsea.

The wild card who can be thrown on with ten minutes to go, do something amazing, and win the game. You’re prone to the odd hospital pass or poor decision that costs the team, but you’re worth it, because you can do things the others can’t.

43 - 59 PTS: You’re a liability. You’ve

definitely got the talent, but you simply cannot be trusted. You can’t understand why you’re left on the bench so often when you could be out there making a difference. Your teammates know exactly why you’re on the bench.

60 - 70 PTS: You are a real concern.

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TECH

Words: Shameek Farrell @shameek–ldn

Unlock Your Grassroots Potential with Catapult One Shameek Farrell knows the beautiful game inside and out, but when he gives the CATAPULT ONE app a whirl, the results blow him away. It’s a game changer for players at every level of football.

Over the past decade, we've seen

determined to be the best versions of

their game by tracking data when they

technology play an essential role

themselves whenever they step onto

play, providing professional coach-

in enhancing players' performance,

the pitch. At twenty-nine, I still have

ing tips and nutritional advice. Game

and even more so now. There's

that drive to be the best I can be, and

changer, right?

been an undeniable demand for

I always attempt to find new ways to

players, coaches, and managers to

help maintain high levels of perfor-

the CATAPULT ONE app, naturally, I

examine data in real-time to help

mance or ways to improve my output

was excited to see how it works first-

pinch extra performance out of a

on the pitch whenever I play or train.

hand, and I was especially intrigued

player and collectively as a team. In

During my time at Tottenham

When I got the call-up to test out

to see my stats after the game and

a game of fine margins, any advan-

Hotspurs Academy, every detail of my

how I would compare to the pros. As I

tage over your opposite number is

game was under an intense micro-

geared up to play my first game of the

a win. The game is forever evolving,

scope, from my sprint speed to the

season under the lights over in West

and we have to grow with it too.

distance covered during a match. There

London, light drizzle graced the pitch,

I've experienced the game at every

was no hiding from data, and I thrived

and all those pre-match jitters started

level, from playing at Tottenham Hot-

off that. Back then, you'd have to wait

to fade. I slipped on my vest, and off

spurs Academy as a young teenager,

several days before you could review

I went. Ninety minutes later, after a

then semi-professionally with a handful

your data from a match, and it was no-

hard-fought game, I got back to the

of clubs throughout my twenties, and

where near the level of information that

changing room eager to review my

not to forget, my midweek five-a-side

we can obtain now. The stats that the

stats from the game. When I went into

kickabout with my friends. Over the

players and coaches can receive are

the app for the first time, it complete-

years, my game has changed from

more in-depth, more accurate, and can

ly blew me away.

being a winger who would traditionally

be instantly broken down to ensure the

stay out wide and get “chalk on your

players are being developed correctly

APULT Academy are truly impressive.

boots'' to now being heavily involved

with more knowledge and the right

As well as seeing data from a match or

with build-up play, drifting from side to

care. Previously, this level of insight was

training, you can access training drills

side, or dropping in deep to receive the

only open to players at the elite level,

to help you warm up more efficiently,

ball in tight areas. I would call myself a

but now you're seeing a large num-

agility drills, workouts to help gradually

“freelance midfielder”, or most people

ber of semi-pro clubs and even some

increase your speed and improve your

would call it the ten-role, and over

grassroots teams being able to have

running technique over time.

the years we've seen a rise of teams

access to tracking devices or recording

accommodating their creative players

of games, which is amazing to see.

app, you're greeted with an analytical

to do what they do best. And that's not

For years, players may not have

breakdown of your performance. Top

the only thing that's changed about our

known how or where to improve their

speed, distance, power, and sprint

game. The game has gotten faster, the

game, but CATAPULT ONE is bridging

distance. Each metric reveals what

players are stronger, fitter, and more

the gap and allowing everyone to raise

you did, what your target is, and how

The in-app features such as the CAT-

When reviewing your session in the

31

For a lot of players around the world,

formance levels. Honestly, the amount

this is the final piece to the puzzle to

of thought to make the app as holistic

help complete your game.

as possible is beyond words. I wish

Another exciting feature for me

you compare against the pros who use

something like this had been available

would be being able to see your post-

to me when I was younger. Now, at

game heat-map. It makes you feel like

every game or training session, you

you are being analysed on Sky Sports!

have a portable coach on your phone

But above all, everything is really

wherever you go, and that can only be

simple to use, from the connectivity

beneficial to anyone who uses it.

of the pod to the breakdown of your

I will unquestionably continue to

stats, and most importantly, it gives

use it throughout the season and I

you a real sense of confidence and

would highly recommend the CAT-

much-needed direction when you

APULT ONE, not only just to young

need it the most.

players who have aspirations of

the same device week-in-week-out.

Once you explore the app further,

playing at elite level. Whether you play

Over time, once you get a handful of

you’ll also see nutritional advice within

semi-professionally or Sunday league

games under your belt, you'll be able

the CATAPULT Academy. I feel this is

football, the CATAPULT ONE helps to

to compare past performances. The

one area a lot of players struggle with

bridge the gap between elite, grass-

stats will show if you've improved

no matter what level you play. Being

roots, and everything else in-between.

in a specific area, if you've met your

able to have this information available

Giving all players the resource to help

average target, and it'll also show you

at your fingertips is a game-changer.

unlock their potential is the biggest

what you're down on, which might be

You can train all you want, but if your

win of them all. TGP

an area for the player to improve on. I

diet isn't correct, you'll struggle to see

believe that when players review their

any results, and that's also very im-

one.catapultsports.com

stats, it'll galvanise and inspire them

portant to have in mind. The food you

Individuals: £13.99/month

to elevate their game like never before.

consume has a massive effect on per-

Team: £144.99/player/year

SMALL-SIDED

Words: Mike Backler @backlermike

Website: footyaddicts.com

The King of the Kickabout Footy Addicts’ Zack makes a living from hosting up to 120 small-sided matches a month across London.

We took our boots along to Archbishops Park in London, in the hope of getting a game.

What constitutes a good small-sided kickabout? The tempo? The shape? Fair teams? Everyone taking a turn in goal? No-one slacking off and hiding upfront?

Rules upheld with common sense?

Positive communication? It has to be as close to a competitive game as possible, without crossing that line.

And to be honest, very few kickabouts achieve that because they lack some of the above. Zack’s a pro at ensuring his games are fizzing with all of the above.

Because he is actually a professional. A

times a week and have become close

to London after travelling the world as a

professional host of small-sided games

friends. Players from England, Italy,

break dancer.

on Footy Addicts. And a host of up to

Spain, Colombia, Pakistan, Kuwait and

120 games a month.

Saudi Arabia and Scotland.

It’s possible for anyone to organise a

“Footy Addicts has changed my life.

“Dance and football saved my life.

It was a really rough neighbourhood where we grew up. When I was born

game on Footy Addicts for free. But, to

From a zero to hero. From my back-

there in the ’90s it was really danger-

be a top host, you have to be assertive

ground, I never thought I’d be making

ous to be in that community. You can’t

and affable and Zack is definitely both

a living doing this. With how I grew up,

guarantee what you’re going to be like,

of those things. He clearly recognises

I never thought I’d have a laptop and a

to grow up and become. I’d always

the importance that every single person

spreadsheet and entering in money and

imagined myself as a little gangster

is getting the best possible experience

football matches. Growing up I always

because of it, and so football and dance

they can. After all, it’s his profession.

thought I’d be working as a farmer,

have changed my life.

A quick switch of players when it gets

I never thought I’d be playing on an

one-sided. A positive word in a player’s

astroturf pitch like that, with football

ago. I was visiting my wife and I was

ear who looks bereft of confidence. He

boots that cost £100. I’ve always played

really bored and had nothing to do so

respects that people have paid to be

without. With trainers or without, you

I googled ‘Play Football London Local’

there. When we meet him at Arch-

just played. Fearless. It’s played a big

and I did what all of the customers now

bishop's Pitches near Waterloo Station

role in my life. I feel brilliant seeing peo-

do. I paid the money, turned up and

in London for two hour back-to-back

ple getting together, making friends and

played my first game and won man of

games, he’s in his element. Greeting

that it’s my job. It makes me so happy.”

the match. I messaged Jonathan (one of

Zack grew up in the tough 04 arron-

the founders of Footy Addicts) and said,

players and getting things moving.

Players who attend his games three

dissement in Casablanca, and moved

“I moved to London five or six years

‘listen, if you ever need any ringers, I’m

33 free, just give me a shout’. I love football

you make money. There’s so much more.

so I was happy to. There are loads of

You have to build a name for yourself. A

hosts that play the games for free. Then

lot of people are coming to your games

they said we can just give you bibs,

because they know it’s you, they know it

balls and how about getting a wee

will be a good game and how long you’ve

(Zack’s wife is Scottish) bit of cash. You

done it for and that it will be run properly.

don’t have to even play, just be there,

And that I’m always around.

organise, split the teams, ref the games.”

It wasn’t long before Zack was host-

“You also need to look after people.

There are a lot of students from all

ing his own games and making a small

across the world who don’t know

amount of money doing so. The next

anybody. I try to help as much as I can

step was to begin taking on the book-

to get them settled into playing, how to

ings himself, which meant investment

get to the venue and to feel comforta-

and commitment. Something he didn’t

ble. I try to make it easier for them.”

shy away from, though he recognised that hosting games is no easy process.

Anyone that’s ever ran a grassroots

So what’s the best part about being Footy Addicts’ most prolific host?

“I’ve made loads and loads of friends

team at any level, or even a weekly

and this is the thing I love the most.

kickabout can testify to that. He soon

Which is a brilliant thing in a new city.

realised that to be a successful Footy

When I moved here, I had no-one and

Addicts host, you need to have a strong

I started making friends when I started

bank of contacts. And some of the most

hosting games. It’s been fantastic. Some

important are the ones that can help

people become amazing friends and

you out at short notice! So having a few

some even start living together, and that

local contacts that are also avid foot-

started through me so it feels brilliant.”

ballers near to each venue can’t hurt at

Zack introduces me to Michael. Mi-

all. Thinking about this makes my head

chael is sixty years old and plays twice

hurt. The idea of hosting 120 games in a

a day, seven days a week. “Michael

month with all that last-minute upheav-

comes every single day. It’s expensive

al is too much for me.

to pay £14 every day for two hours and

But as with anything, the more you

he always tells me, ‘money doesn’t bring

build up your reputation, the more in-

me happiness’. The fact that he commits

terest you get. And the more that these

every single day at his age is so special.

people trust you and become your

I imagine myself at his age doing the

friends, the less likely they are to let you

same. He’s an inspiration to me, and I

down. And that has taken time.

find it really unique. It’s brilliant to get a

“It takes a lot of time to be ok. At the moment it’s going really well. But as

role model like Michael on the pitch.”

Zack’s games embody all the traits

you know, in every industry you’ve got

that grassroots football should be

to promote what you do, and it takes a

about. Passion, respect, enthusiasm,

little while. So it probably took me two-

inclusivity, friendship, good football. You

to-three years to get to a point where I

get a lift by playing in them and they

didn’t need to worry whether it’ll work.

attract players that are looking for the

I’m making a living off it and I’m really

same fulfillment from their football fix.

happy. But it does take time. There

If you turn up and you pay your money,

are lots of other people trying to do it

you want your football to be worthwhile.

around other jobs but you have to give

And any Footy Addicts game that Zack

it as much time as possible. You have to

is hosting will be exactly that. TGP

invest your time. It’s been a long journey but the first two years were tough.

“A lot of people just think you can book a pitch, upload it on the app and that’s it,

Footy Addicts is open and everyone can join. Just download the app and get involved.

GOALS

Words: Flavio Oliveira @c.f.xgs

Why We Play At Goals Flavio Oliveira and the boys from XGS share with us why setting up a team at Goals can be the cornerstone of friendship groups.

The initial question people ask is, what does XGS mean?

Not to be confused with Xtremely Gorgeous Squad, we are actually Ex-Gunnersbury-Students, founded in 2011 as our tenure at the secondary school came to an end.

We first played a tournament at Goals Alperton with many peers from school, but decided to form a team with those who would take the league seriously.

Since then, we’ve evolved as a team, won things here and there, played abroad and around the country, and above all, hosted some pretty rad house parties.

We have now become mature adults, always seeking the next best thrill and instead of getting girlfriends we decided to just have each other.

Bromance has always produced better

immensely competitive and we continue

results than romance. But jokes aside,

to improve as the league progresses.

friendship, fitness and the love for football has kept us going.

We have a variety of characters in

We want to give everyone at Goals Gillette Corner a mention; the staff there are extremely hard working and have given

the squad, but here are some notable

us such a great and unique experience.

mentions:

Alex, the league manager, has supported

David’s our Keeper. And with a beard

us in times of trouble and has gone above

like Gandalf there’s more than one reason

and beyond to ensure the safety and

why “you shall not pass”.

sanity of all teams in the league.

Harrison, the youngest player on the

The 3G pitches at Goals are also

team, has the flair and technique and

notable to mention, as it provides fast-

likes nothing more than occasionally em-

paced games and always allows for a

barrassing his brother - the captain, AJ.

high-quality fixture.

Ciaran, lifeguard by day, goal threat by

We also now record our matches,

Monday night, newest addition to the XGS

not only to assess our performance and

franchise and already a club favourite.

tactics, but also to capture those stand

Five-a-side has made us more cohe-

out moments that fill our Instagram feed.

sive as a social circle. We’ve had our ups

For example, the in-game “funnies” like

and downs, but have managed to create

nutmegs and own goals have opened the

a network which would not be as intimate

opportunity for an array of media content.

extremely exciting to play the game we

if we were playing eleven-a-side. Playing

There is no hiding behind the camera and

love in different cultures and climates.

at Goals has given us the opportunity to

the pressure is always on.

develop our competence and confidence as a team. The league at Gillette Corner is

Also, going on international tours has expanded our horizons, as it has been

Ultimately, Goals Gillette Corner will always be our home. Get yourself a team together - you won’t regret it!

TGP

League: We're not gonna grass them up

Image: Garry Strutt @joebelle

Grassroots Photography “No pyro. No party. The grassroots season is up and running across the country, and with restrictions lifted, there’s no reason why you can’t create a festival atmosphere at your local club. PLEASE BE SAFE THOUGH”

SEND US YOUR GRASSROOTS PHOT OGRAPHY TO:

EDITOR@GRASSRO

OTSPOST.UK

& WE’LL PUBLISH OUR FAVOURITE HERE.

37

SMALL SIDED: POWERLEAGUE

SMALL SIDED: POWERLEAGUE

SMALL SIDED: POWERLEAGUE

Powerleague AD

SMALL SIDED: POWERLEAGUE

Powerleague AD

REFEREES

Words: Trevor Booking

43

Illustration: Millie Chesters @milliechesters

!

R E W O L B E L T S WHI

OR T RE V I N G : K BO O

* not his real name.

Trevor* is an up-and-coming referee who each month will blow the whistle on what it’s really like to take control of grassroots games...

treatment if the offender had received a card. A good part of that As I write, the first weekend of the contact with the visiting speaker. first season was Premier League has just ended.

At a grassroots level, we don’t spent explaining There were goals galore, full stadi- get to ask, “any questions?” the rule to sideums, shock wins and free flowing Instead, we will spend the sumline warriors football. No surprises there, but mer swotting up, taking Laws of and their dogs. those of us who wear black accesthe Game exams and ordering new We all know that the grassroots sorised with watches and whistles copies of the IFAB Laws of the Game game is a million miles from the were taken aback to hear Gary handbook. Ready in time to be met glitz and glamour of the Premier Neville praise referees for their with confused players and officials League, so don’t expect them to role in making the first round of on the first day of the season, as it's be refereed the same. There are games a success. impossible to sit down and bring plenty of “directives” that the New seasons mean new laws them all up to speed beforehand.

Professional Game Match Officials and directions for match officials. So, as well as being a law enforceBoard gives refs at the start of each Over the summer an email will ment officer, the first few weeks of season to make the game more endrop into your inbox outlining the season sees you becoming an joyable and the TV commentators what the footballing powers have on-pitch educator as well. and pundits adopt these as early deemed necessary to improve the The game has seen a few major season buzzwords. But these aren’t beautiful game as a spectacle. Post law changes in recent years and it’s laws. “Letting more go” may be empty stadiums, an entertaining the ref’s job to know them inside getting Premier League plaudits, Euros and the difficult birth of out and try to explain them to yet you probably won’t see the VAR, this year’s email of Law (not players when situations arise, as same over the rec on Sunday, as rule) Changes was expected to be a let’s face it, they probably haven’t more than likely your grassroots long read. However, the emphasis read them. I know I wouldn’t have ref has been doing that for years. has been placed on less is more, if I was playing. One of the biggest Tough tackling and a little bit of with fewer “softer fouls” in the changes of all was around “DOGneedle make the lower-tier game words of Sky’s leading pundit.

SO” (denying of a goal scoring what it is. Entertainment doesn’t None of the adaptations will opportunity) to prevent the double always mean silky skills. have come as a surprise to the top jeopardy of a penalty and a red Most refs like me will be looking tier players. Every Premier League card. A good part of that first seaforward to the pundits moving on club would have already had an son was spent explaining the rules from the buzzwords to something explanatory visit from an official to players who were furious that else. It might herald the end of to talk through the changes and they’d ONLY won a penalty. captains and coaches screaming answer any questions. I’d like to Some changes infuriate spec“I thought you were meant to be think that “any questions?” causes tators more than the players. letting more go, ref?!” after the the Premier League’s elite players In particular, the amend which right back has crunched a winger to turn into teenagers and do meant that an injured player onto the next pitch. everything to avoid making eye didn’t have to leave the pitch for Enjoy the new season. TGP

TOURS

Words & Images: Tom Overbury @westminsterwanderers

WESTMINSTER

TOUR SPECIAL: NORTHERN IRELAND

There’s nothing quite like a grassroots football tour. Despite the pandemic making distant travel a tricky business, Westminster Wanderers found their hosts in Belfast to be not just incredibly hospitable, but in possession of some immaculate facilities.

Westminster Wanderers is an established and successful Sunday League club, formed in 1999. The FA Charter Standard club runs four teams in London’s largest Sunday League system, the Southern Sunday Football League, and being based in the capital means the players are from a diverse range of backgrounds, ethnicities and professions. But we all share one common ground: a love of getting up on a Sunday

morning for ninety-minute battles followed by a few beers!

Despite playing our matches across South West London, recent summer tours as far as New York City, Iceland and Latvia have become a big part of the club and we were determined to beat the pandemic in 2021. To safely achieve that, a tour a little closer to home was set up with the First and Second Team squads heading to Northern Ireland for an ambitious three matches in four days each.

In brand new Adidas tour merch, thirty-plus Wanderers touched down in Belfast on a Thursday afternoon and got straight into football.

The First Team played out an epic 6-3 win against the very welcoming Dunmurry Rec FC on a carpet pitch - the likes of which you struggle to find in London - while the Second Team were left regretting their earlier beers at the airport, suffering an 8-0 loss to St Mary’s FC. The squads reconvened at the team hotel in the

47

" There’s something different about the bonds you form when you tour as a team" Cathedral Quarter and headed out to various pubs and bars, where many differing match reports were shared deep into the night.

The second day started with breakfast, some sightseeing and lots of locals confusing the thirty-strong group in matching tracksuits for “actual footballers”, but when the merch looks that good, who can blame them? The two squads then played out two matches back-to-back at the home of Taughmonagh Young Men FC on another carpet pitch. The Second Team were up first and were unlucky to lose to Taughmonagh’s Second Team 3-2 in a very competitive match. Both club’s First Teams then battled out a 6-5 thriller, with the hosts grabbing a stoppage-time winner. The common theme emanating from both days was how seriously the Northern Irish take their amateur football, with impressive pitches and club set-ups, but also how welcoming everybody was.

The “warm-up” matches were done and it was now a chance to be a pro for a day. Being fortunate enough to share a shirt sponsor with professional side Larne FC, the Wanderers’ whole trip was largely centred around both squads playing Larne Academy XIs at their beautiful Inver Park Stadium on the Sunday afternoon. Larne’s First Team were too busy preparing for a po-

tential Europa Conference League tie against Spurs, but we certainly weren’t complaining about not having to match up against professional athletes on day four of a tour!

Each player would wake up and get back into the tour merch. We travelled on a coach to a 5000-capacity stadium. We set up in an away dressing room. We warmed up in front of a small crowd whilst music blared over the PA system. Our club badge was on a scoreboard. This was a long way from putting our own nets up on a boggy pitch in London and we were buzzing.

Unfortunately, the weary legs and tired brains that you’d expect on day four of tour, combined with the skill and youthful endeavour from several of Larne FC’s Under 18 international footballers, meant both our First and Second Teams would suffer defeats (2-1 and 6-0 respectively). However, the experience and Larne FC’s hospitality were nothing short of incredible for every one of our players and will live long in our memories.

Like any good tour, it was rounded off with “Tour Court”. All-time club top goalscorer (now ageing centre-half), Jimmy McGrory, dished out fines as well as awards, while conversation turned to the season ahead and where we should tour next summer.

We’re all now back in London and preparing for what we hope will be

the first uninterrupted season of Sunday League in two years, but touring really does something to teams. It bonds people and forms friendships.

Playing for a Sunday League side can mean you spend more time with your teammates than lots of other people in your personal life, but there’s something different about the bonds you form when you tour as a team. We’re all now bouncing into pre-season, off the back of an incredible weekend, with an even tighter group for it. We would recommend touring to any Sunday League clubs out there, even if it’s just a weekend away in a different part of the UK. Roll on the 2021/22 season and next summer’s tour. Destination: TBC. You can find a full tour diary video on Westminster Wanderers’ Instagram page: @westminsterwanderers

TECH

Words & Interview: The Grassroots Post @thegrassrootspost

Website: www.joymo.tv

J​​ oymo to Livestream Lancashire County Cups Last month, Lancashire FA announced that it had partnered with leading livestreaming service for grassroots sport – Joymo – to showcase the organisation's key County Cup competitions.

The three-year deal between Joymo – the livestreaming solution for athletes, teams and sports at all levels – and one of England’s largest County FAs commenced in August and covers livestreams of all

The impact of Covid has been chal-

to players, coaches and supporters

nineteen of Lancashire FA’s County

lenging for the entire football community

and will help to increase engagement

Cup competitions across senior and

and it has accelerated the need to find

levels with teams and our organisa-

junior men’s and women’s football.

solutions that can help sustain grass-

tion as we aim to deliver football for

roots football in the long term.

all. The highlight of our partnership

Joymo will work closely with the Lancashire FA to realise the organisa-

When Joymo approached us with the

is enabling our clubs and teams to

tion’s direct-to-fan streaming ambitions

opportunity for our clubs and leagues to

share their games and training with

and make their competitions more

gain access to this innovative technol-

family and friends that are unable to

accessible, with supporters now able

ogy, we knew instantly that this would

be present. The additional benefit of

to watch matches online, live or on

be beneficial for our clubs. Not only to

that is the opportunity to generate

demand on a pay-per-view basis. As a

allow parents and grandparents who

income that can be channelled back

not-for-profit organisation, Lancashire

cannot attend a game to watch from

into clubs to help them manage the

FA will channel all revenues directly

the comfort of their own home, but

costs associated with running the

back into football.

also to earn money for their club and

grassroots game.

Here Lyndsay Riding from Lanca-

team development. It creates a sense of

shire County FA tells us how Joymo

achievement looking back at unmissa-

velopment tool that can be used to help

will play a key role in helping them de-

ble moments. This is priceless!

develop players by providing the oppor-

liver their strategy of providing football for all across the county.

Joymo is also a great analysis and de-

The whole team at the Lancashire

tunity to look back at key moments and

FA is hugely excited by the opportunity

understand the tactics and techniques.

that Joymo provides for us and teams

On top of these tangible benefits,

What was the key driver behind the

across the county. We want to make our

one of the most appealing aspects

decision for Lancashire FA to start

matches and competitions accessible to

was just how safe the platform is. The

livestreaming matches?

as many people as possible and Joymo

measures put in place to ensure safe-

The role of Lancashire FA is to take

provides a high-quality solution that is

guarding are paramount for us and as

football forward by growing the game

safe, simple to set up and scalable.

a County FA we would not have been

and inspiring the next generation. We

able to enter a partnership such as this

are always looking for ways to add val-

What was it about Joymo specifically

unless we had complete confidence in

ue to football clubs, participants, fans

that appealed to the Lancashire FA?

the safeguarding and data protections

and volunteers.

Livestreaming provides huge value

aspects of the product.

49

How does the partnership with Joy-

Heys); and the Professional Youth Cup

What are your long-term hopes for

mo help you deliver your strategy

(Wigan Athletic v Morecambe).

the relationship with Joymo? What

and provide football for all?

Two of these matches featured

benefits can streaming bring to

It helps all our clubs at all levels and abil-

professional teams, which added a little

clubs across Lancashire?

ities to share the beautiful game with a

more pressure to ensure that the stream

Our long-term goal is to drive and devel-

wider audience and really showcase that

quality was first-class. We managed to

op our relationship with Joymo over the

football really is for all. We have specific

integrate a third party for filming and

coming seasons. We believe livestream-

county values that really stand out for us

commentary with no issues at all and

ing will be beneficial for all clubs to keep

when it comes to this partnership, those

were really satisfied with the overall

them connected with those who are un-

being creative and inspiring!

quality of the production.

able to be there on match days. Joymo’s

We can now reach a wider number of

The ability to embed the livestreams

strapline NEVER MISS A MOMENT is a

grassroots football fans that can’t always

from the Joymo Arena online viewing

attend events in person, giving supporters

platform to our own website has been

the flexibility to watch live or on demand

a huge benefit as we can drive an

money but can help with developing

across multiple devices. We are actively

audience into our own online ecosystem

their players and team as a whole. One

encouraging and supporting clubs and

and engage them with other content and

benefit that stands out is the fact that

teams across the county to get set up on

football development services.

they do not need equipment to achieve

the Joymo platform and start benefitting

key attraction to sign up!

It will not only help the clubs earn

this as this can simply be done by the

from the service and that includes the first

What feedback have you had from the

app on a smartphone or tablet. We

six months of streaming completely free

clubs, players and fans whose teams

are privileged to be a part of Joymo’s

through our arrangement with Joymo.

have featured on the streams so far?

exciting journey into technology and

We have had some great feedback from

innovative ideas and we are very proud

You’ve successfully streamed

the viewers regarding our County Cup

to have them as our exclusive lives-

several matches already – how was

Finals, which included the stream quality

tream partner.

the experience of setting up and

and the commentary. It was a really

TGP

streaming on the Joymo platform?

encouraging start and we are looking

To find out how Joymo can help your

We found this incredibly user-friendly

forward to the next opportunity to lives-

grassroots club, go to www.joymo.tv.

and simple to set up with clear instruc-

tream further matches and competitions.

tions. So far, we’ve streamed three

We are also proactively working with

fixtures: the Senior Cup Final (Blackburn

clubs across the county to enable them

Rovers v Wigan Athletic); the Challenge

to benefit from Joymo and start stream-

Trophy (Lancaster City v Prestwich

ing fixtures on a regular basis.

MEN’S

League: LOADS

Words: Ollie Goodwin @ollie–goodyy

Images: George Simmos @georgesimmos

OLD WIMBLEDONIANS:

50 NOT OUT

51

Keeping a grassroots club together is no mean feat. Old Wimbledonians have now been doing it for 50 years. Ollie Goodwin went down to join in the anniversary celebrations and find out what it takes to keep the fires burning for half a century My football club gave me a lot. As a sixteen-year-old at college, with a weekend pot wash job, there wasn’t a lot going on. But once I started getting involved with the village team, I was one of the lads.

One of the skinny, lanky, slightly nervous lads. But I was one of the lads all the same. When a horrible centre-half clattered me, they backed me up. They’d sneak me a cider in the pub. I belonged to AFC; it was my club.

That's why, when I chatted to the lads at Old Wimbledonians, the sense of community they shared resonated with me. It made me want to go home, home to my club.

It was a big day for the Wimbledonians. The club had been going for fifty years, which was rightly a cause for celebration. That's fifty years of wonky lines and bobbly pitches, fifty years of calling around everyone you know on a Sunday morning and fifty years of chasing subs.

When I first got to the home of Old Wimbledonians there was only one guy there: Paul. I could tell Paul was keen. We had a chat and he in-

troduced me to the Old Wimbledonians and told me a bit about how he got involved. “I started playing after sixth form,” he explains. “It was about ’98, five or six of us joined and most of us stayed here for a long time. It's been going for fifty years, but for me, it seems like it's always been here. We haven’t seen each other in ages, I’m a bit worried I won’t recognise them.”

As his old teammates filtered into the car park, Paul had no trouble recognising the boys and they were soon chatting about being kicked up in the air by chemistry teachers. I could see how much the club meant to these guys as they chatted over the thousands and thousands of memories they've shared together on a football pitch.

The plan was to have two matches, one being the Saturday team versus the Sunday team, a bit of an inter-club pre-season. On the other pitch the Vets team were playing some of the older boys who’d come back for the day. More of an Old Wimbledonians testimonial. There was a massive turnout for Friday

" If I play this season it'll be my forty-second consecutive season for the club"

night football, with around eighty to 100 people getting down.

I’d planned to meet Damien Woodward, current chairman of Old Wimbledonians and all-round nice guy. He gave me a quick crash course on the club and where they've come from.

Damien (or Woody, as he is known) explains: “1970 was our first season.

It all started with a youth club connected with a church in Worcester Park. As the team grew momentum we became affiliated with the Old Wimbledonians, which has always been cricket and rugby. Football was always sneered upon, but we wanted to be a part of it all. Lots of us went to Wimbledon College together and we

get loads of lads down, even today.”

In Woody’s three years in charge he oversaw some changes at the club, and it continues to grow. “I came into chairmanship with a clear ambition to move the club forward and change a few things. Because we have so many sides it's about getting a good spread, being as inclusive as possible for everybody, no matter your level. I think going forward we’d love to have a junior side, both boys and girls, and a women’s side.

We’re not a club looking for semipro status, we are very much an amateur club - players pay their subs, wash the kits ... it’s proper football.”

So many grassroots clubs struggle, especially in the current climate, with the weekly stresses of finding players and pitches, often running around on Sunday mornings looking for anyone with boots. This isn't the case down at Old Wimbledonians. “What's been critical was getting people involved,” Woody tells me.

“Having a strong committee is far and away the most important thing, people that have been around for a while that know and understand the club. People like Seth.”

Seth’s an Old Wimbledonians legend. When I say legend, I mean it. He’s racked up over 985 league and cup games for the club. “If I play this season it'll be my forty-second consecutive season for the club,” Seth states proudly. His teammates know him as “Dead-

eye”, with good reason. “I’ve scored just under 500 goals now. We’ve had our ups and downs but one of the things is people like coming back to us. They make good friends and leave with fond memories.”

The club puts a lot of emphasis on the community aspects of grassroots football, not just what happens on the pitch. The socials and sense of camaraderie mean the club wins, loses and has a laugh together.

Woody tells me about how they have coped with the last year. “I look back on the last year with Covid, and one of the most noticeable things was our togetherness. I’m on most of the WhatsApps and everyone was always looking out for each other, there was loads of support. That definitely came from the spirit of the club but it's also absolutely not the stereotypical view people would have of a bunch of footballers!”

With everyone caught up, the football kicked off, one match slightly faster than the other (I’ll let you guess which one). The older lads found their feet, passing the ball around, whereas the other match was a bit more frantic, a proper pre-season. However, the steady flow of jugs from the clubhouse didn't stop, which is always nice to see. It was a great scene.

To be honest, I ended up watching more of the Vets match - it was a great spectacle. Within the first twenty minutes there were shouts

of “OXYGEN!”, but shout of the day goes to Paul, who exclaimed “IT'S NOT THE F*****G NINETIES!” after a particularly heavy pass. I also witnessed the best goal I’ve ever seen from a thirteen-year-old when Richardson Jr jinked his way off the wing and delicately dinked the despairing keeper from twenty-five yards out. There were limbs from both father and son, who were on the pitch together.

After chatting with a few of the older boys, I wanted to see what the current crop of Saturday and Sunday players thought about their club turning fifty. I wandered up to the top pitch and ran into Lewis Hampton, captain of the first eleven. “I play here with my mates, my brother, it's great. I came down when I was eighteen and I’m thirty-three now.”

We had a chat about what tonight was all about. “It's such a great club to play for; lots of great events like this evening, and we always get a good turnout. I mean, getting four teams out on a Friday night says everything.”

One downside with the numbers was that Lewis had been hooked off in the first half. “We’ve got seven subs tonight - I guess it's not a league game, so I’ll reluctantly accept.

Everyone else is having a pint but I’m having to wait until after. Lead by example!” Lewis jokes.

As I sauntered round to the top pitch I ran into Nathan. Nats is only

" I witnessed the best goal I’ve ever seen from a thirteen-year-old when Richardson Jr jinked his way off the wing and delicately dinked the disparaging keeper from twenty-five yards out. There were limbs from both father and son, who were on the pitch together" sixteen and it's his second season with the Old Wimbledonians. I thought back to my first seasons, being shouted at to run and run and run while the slightly older midfielders had a little rest. It was nice to hear that he was getting the same treatment as me.

“It's crazy playing here, knowing that loads of teams are only a couple of years old, whereas this has been around the whole time. My dad got me down here when I was fifteen brought me along to training and I started playing for the Saturday and Sunday teams.” Chatting with Nats, part of the new generation of Wimbledonians, showed me that the future of the club is certainly bright.

The games drew to a close with the matches finishing 8-2 and 4-2 respectively, but it wasn't about the scores. Everyone wandered over to the clubhouse and the chatting, drinking and catching up really began. The lads were dragged to their tables where Woody and others said

a few words about the club, and then the Old Wimbledonians’ celebrations continued long into the night.

There were probably a few sore heads in the morning, but I’m sure it was worth it for what was a great evening in Wimbledon. The lads were fantastic company and even bought me a couple in the bar afterwards, which I gladly accepted.

Clubs like this mean so much to the people involved. Here's to another fifty years of the Old Wimbledonians! TGP

53

DISABILITY

Words: Tayyiba Yunus @taybs11

Images: Gem Atkinson @dropsofdiamond

INCLUSIVE & INSPIRATIONAL WITH FOTMOB: In each issue, FotMob - the livescore app - are sponsoring a feature on inclus

SUTTON’S SUPERHEROES

57

Website: fotmob.com

ive and inspirational grassroots stories and assisting in their development by providing equipment vouchers to these special football clubs.

Tayyiba Yunus meets the stars of one of grassroots football’s most exciting and inclusive teams. Sutton United FC Disability are changing perceptions and improving access for all, one goal at a time.

TGP’s visit to meet Steve King and the Sutton United FC Disability squad was an inspirational reminder of how club culture, values and high standards can transform lives on and off the pitch.

Steve is the Head Coach and Founder of Sutton United FC Disability and has overseen the disability programme since its formation in 2014.

It is a part of the Sutton United Youth and Community Foundation, which aims to provide support for the local community, including pan-disability football, in a safe environment.

We met Steve and the Sutton United FC Disability team for a Saturday morning training session at Cheam Sports Club. The venue is acting as the team’s temporary base whilst Sutton’s home ground at Gander Green Lane undergoes renovations.

Steve talks me through their incredible setup as we observe the players train and get stuck into their drills.

Since starting the team with a couple of players in the local park, it has spiralled into an oversubscribed club with players of all abilities and backgrounds.

“For us, we noticed the biggest

58

increase in player turnout when the

long as he can remember and “loves

fortunate to have a club that tailors the

team moved from training in the local

playing for Sutton United”.

sessions to our needs. The best thing

park to the Sutton United stadium.

We watch on with Will’s mum as

is we are not stagnant; we’re really

There was a huge rush and it goes to

he makes superb saves throughout

able to push ourselves to be the best

show what a great difference it makes

the session and we can’t help but

players we can and win games in a

when a team is properly recognised,

be inspired by his dedication to the

competitive environment.”

provided with investment and facilities

game. She describes the team as “life

The team’s successes on the

that are equal for all the players.”

changing” for her son, who struggled

pitch are just as impressive as the

to find a club to play for before he

life-changing impact it has had on

with bespoke training kits and track-

This extends to providing players

found Sutton. It’s a great example of

players off the pitch. The U team

suits. “It’s important: they look and feel

the impact the team has had on the

reached the FA People’s Cup Final at St

a part of the club.”

personal lives of the players.

George’s Park in Staffordshire in 2019,

Steve’s belief in football being acces-

As with all grassroots clubs, the team

which was broadcasted live on the

sible to everyone goes hand in hand

is so much more than just an hour of

BBC. It was a massive achievement for

with the core values of Sutton United

training on a Saturday morning. It ex-

the club to finish runners-up and also

as a football club – in particular, the

tends to deep friendships being formed

experience playing at England’s train-

club’s commitment to the local com-

and lives being transformed, purely

ing ground. In the same year, the team

munity and ensuring equal opportunity

through a love of the beautiful game.

also won the annual Irish FA George

for all. Everyone is treated the same

When I speak to Ben about friend-

Best Community Cup in Belfast.

and it was inspiring to see this in ac-

ships and football, he tells me he will

tion during the training session.

be best man for a teammate’s wedding

Adult Coach of the Year and Project of

The team isn’t just there to be a tick

Steve won individual awards for

next year. His arthritis meant he was

the Year at the Surrey FA Grassroots

list – as Steve emphasises, he was only

unable to join in with competitive

Football Awards 2020. Of the many

content to take on the role because

football with friends but by chance

impressive things about Sutton United

the club were “all in and fully support-

discovered Sutton United FC Disability

FC Disability, the unity and bond of the

ive from the start”.

and hasn’t looked back since.

team is something special to witness.

Will and Harry were both part of

“There are so many varying needs

the original Sutton team who used to

here, but we come here and we are all

It is unsurprising when Steve says he sees his personal awards as recognition

train in the park on weekends with

the same. We’re only here for an hour

for the hard work of the whole team

Steve. Harry looks back fondly on the

but that hour is sometimes what gets

that has made all its success possible.

club history and all its achievements.

us through the week. We also have had

Likewise, the staff at Sutton United FC

He is a Sutton United fan and not only

so many good opportunities thanks to

Disability and Cheam Sports Club have

a proud season ticket holder but was

this club – we’ve played tournaments

nothing but positive words about the

also a ball boy and club mascot for the

at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal and

efforts of the whole team in creating an

club. Will has been a goalkeeper for as

Brighton, amongst others. We’re very

organised and supportive environment for disability football in South London.

"We’re only here for an hour but that hour is sometimes what gets us through the week"

I speak to Steve about what the aim is going forward for both the club and disability football as a whole.

In addition to developing a similar

" Every club has a responsibility to provide pathways in which players with a disability are easily able to access flexible, inclusive and accessible opportunities to enjoy the game" pan-disability setup for female and junior footballers, Steve would like to see more football clubs “taking responsibility” and providing opportunities for disabled footballers. “There is definitely a shortage of disability provisions for young adults. Every club has a responsibility to provide pathways in which players with a disability are easily able to access flexible, inclusive and accessible opportunities to enjoy the game. But at the moment there are very few clubs that are actually providing opportunities like this.”

Ben adds: “I would love to see more widely-known leagues, more people talking about disability football and raising awareness. It was great to see us in the FA People’s Cup Final on TV because it gives the sport more positive media attention. If it’s publicised more often, there’s a greater chance that it will reach all the people who would love to get involved, but who just don’t know that this exists.”

Ben’s point goes back to a familiar one within football: visibility and investment is so important in challenging perceptions and continuing to improve inclusivity within the sport. Our visit to Sutton United FC Disability exceeded well beyond the high expectations we arrived with. We left, galvanised by a club whose culture is not just an inspiration for disability football, but for grassroots football as a whole. TGP FotMob is the essential football app.

Scores, stats, news and more. Get the app on iOS and Android.

COACHING

THE COACHES CLINIC

with:

Website:

Code:

academy.coachesvoice.com

TGP1MONTH

SESSION:

PLAYING OUT FROM THE BACK

KEY Ball movement

Player movement without the ball Player movement with the ball

SESSION OVERVIEW: PRINCIPLES OF PLAY: •P ositioning between and behind

Players

opposition lines • Finding the free player

We’re delighted to have Coaches’ Voice taking over our regular COACHES CLINIC. Coaches’ Voice features worldclass football insights from the game’s leading coaches. Their website www. coachesvoice.com features a stunning array of content from some household names. Perfect for students of the game.

• Generating superiorities (2v1 & 4v2)

In each issue, they’re going to help us be better, as managers and coaches. First up, playing out from the back. We’d be lying if we said this was something the English grassroots game had mastered, but forget your “get ’em turned” or your “lob it in the channels”, here’s how you get your team up the pitch and into dangerous areas without ever losing possession of the ball. Unheard of, right?

•T he practice sees a group of

PART 1:

Cones

Flat marker

UNOPPOSED TECHNICAL WARM-UP •T his practice is an unopposed technical warm-up, laying down the foundations of playing out

Cones with flat marker

from the back.

14 players split into two groups of seven.

PART 2: 2v2 +3 POSSESSION GAME

Goal

Mini-goal

•T his practice builds upon Part 1 by applying the build-up patterns to a possession game.

•T he practice sees a group of seven

Mannequin

playersof the six goal game.

PART 3: 2+GK VS 2+GK +1 CONDITIONED GAME • This is a small-sided game in which there are conditions to apply the concepts from Part 1 and Part 2 in a game situation.

• The practice requires a group of seven players split into two teams of two plus a goalkeeper, and one neutral player.

Football

Pole

63

01. UNOPPOSED TECHNICAL WARM-UP

1

FUNCTION: •

This unopposed technical warm-up begins as pictured in Diagram 1.

•

The ball begins with a player at Cone 1. As they touch the ball out

4

3

of their feet, one of the players at Cone 3 drops to receive (Pass 1) and sets the ball with one touch (Pass 2) on an angle back to the original player at Cone 1, who has moved to receive.

•

2

This player receives with the back foot to quickly play towards a

1

4

2

3

third player – who is moving forward from Cone 2 – between the pole and the cone within 2 touches (Pass 3).

•

crossing the dashed orange line with the ball under control before finishing in the small goal (Pass 4).

•

1

The player at Cone 2 receives with the back foot, with the aim of

2

Diagram 2 shows a variation where the ball is played into a player at Cone 3 (Pass 1), who moves to receive behind the mannequins with a side-on body shape.

•

As the ball is travelling to the player at Cone 3, the player at Cone 2

•

3

3

begins to move forward to receive the pass outside (Pass 2).

This player again receives with the back foot, to collect on the run and

2

cross the dotted orange line before finishing in the small goal (Pass 3).

•

In both sequences, the players will rotate from Cone 1 to Cone 2 to Cone 3.

•

1

2

4

The practice can extend to playing the ball out in the same way before working it to a player at Cone 4 to finish in the small goal on

1

the opposite side.

COACHING DETAIL: TECHNICAL

can help the ball-carrier know where the

RECEIVING WITH A

player at Cone 2 wants to receive the ball.

SIDE-ON BODY SHAPE

In Diagram 2, players at Cone 2 will move to-

When receiving and passing with two

TIMING OF MOVEMENTS

wards the player at Cone 1 as they take their

touches, the player receiving the ball

The players positioned on Cone 3 will

first touch out of their feet. As the ball travels

must first move towards the space they

‘unmark’ themselves by initiating their move-

into the player at Cone 3, the player at Cone

want to move into. It is important to re-

ments in the opposite direction of where

2 will quickly accelerate in order to receive a

ceive with the back foot, to remain facing

they would like to receive the ball. Players

pass outside and behind the mannequin line.

forward and receive away from pressure.

propriate space and move towards the ball

WEIGHT AND ACCURACY OF PASS

RECEIVING ON THE RUN

as the player on the ball takes a touch out

It is important that all passes are kept

When receiving on the run, the receiver

of their feet and lifts their head. This visual

on the ground to allow the receivers to

should move their body in a side-on

connection is important.

have the best opportunity to com-

manner. However, when the ball is ap-

The players at Cone 2 in Diagram 1 will move

plete the next play. When playing to

proximately 2 metres away, they should

towards the player at Cone 1 as the ball is

a teammate’s feet, a stronger weight

lower their hips for better balance to

being set backwards. As the player at Cone 1

of pass can be used towards the foot

push the ball towards the space they

takes their first touch, they will quickly initiate

furthest from pressure. When passing

are moving into.

their movement forward to receive between

into space towards a teammate’s move-

That first touch will then ideally be 1 or 2

the cone and pole, in order to receive a

ment, players should prioritise accuracy

metres away from their body, to allow them

forward pass. Pointing with the arm forward

over power.

to maintain their running speed.

should use two or three steps to create ap-

64

02. 2V2 +3 POSSESSION GAME

C

1

FUNCTION: •

This 2v2 +3 possession game builds off the unopposed technical warm-up. Two players on the possession team – here, Team A – combine with three neutral players (C) to retain possession

C

against two defenders from Team B. •

B

The two neutral players (C) at either end will position themselves just inside the game space, close to the end lines. The middle

B

A

neutral player (C) will prioritise central positions.

•

A

The scoring rules are: 1) Earn 1 goal by connecting 8 passes. 2)

C

Earn 1 goal by running with the ball through one of four small boxes and connecting a pass with a teammate or neutral player (as in Diagram 1). 3) Earn 2 goals by connecting 8 passes and running with the ball through one of the boxes and connecting a pass in the same sequence.

•

C

2

If the ball goes out of bounds, a new ball will begin with one of the neutral players in depth to initiate the game.

•

There are no touch restrictions.

COACHING DETAIL: IN POSSESSION

the pressuring defender and

WIDTH AND DEPTH

Positioning one step behind the

When in possession, both players

pressuring defender will allow the

should provide width, with their heels

receiver to have a greater advan-

on the touchline; the neutral players

tage after taking their first touch.

C

wide enough where the defender cannot intercept a pass.

provide the depth. This positioning will

A

B

B A

C

create a 4v2 scenario.

The boxes will aid the players in their

FIRST TOUCH

positioning by giving them an incen-

Linking the concepts from the first

tive to position away from the ball.

activity, receive when possible with

The central neutral player will

the furthest foot away from pres-

prioritise positioning between the

sure, taking a first touch into free,

Once possession is recovered, the previously

two defenders to be an option to

preferably forward, spaces.

defending team should utilise the deeper neutral

receive behind defensive pres-

COACHING DETAIL: OFFENSIVE TRANSITION

players to give them time to re-establish their

sure, while also creating space

FREE PLAYER

wide for teammates.

When circulating the ball, the

own positioning and recreate the 4v2 scenario.

most dangerous pass is the one

COACHING DETAIL: MANAGING THE OPPOSITION

2v1s

that eliminates both defenders.

Once initial positioning is estab-

This could be a split pass to the

lished, the ball-carrier can use the

neutral player, or a wide pass

lack of touch restriction to drive

towards the free teammate behind

with the ball towards one defend-

the opposition pressure lines.

Encourage collective defending, denying central

er. This will force the defender to

Alternate short and long passes to

passes between teammates.

commit, at which point the player

invite the defenders to leave their

Apply aggressive pressure after the first pass.

can pass to a free teammate.

positions, creating advantages

When possession is lost, apply a quick counter-press

The receiver should look to main-

behind their line of pressure.

to try and recover the ball within the first two passes.

tain a position one step behind

If this isn’t possible, establish zonal defending.

66

03. 2+GK VS 2+GK +1 CONDITIONED GAME

1

B

FUNCTION: •

This 2+GK vs 2+GK +1 conditioned game builds off the 2v2 +3

C

possession game in the previous practice.

•

Two teams of two players plus a goalkeeper play against each other, with a single neutral player (C) playing for whichever team is in possession.

•

The game features three conditions in order to apply the tech-

B

B A

A

nical and tactical concepts learned in the previous exercises.

•

A

1) Before scoring a goal, the team in possession – here, Team A – must complete 2 passes in their defensive half.

•

2) Once in the attacking half, the team has 6 seconds to score.

•

3) If the defending team – here, Team B – recovers the ball in their attacking half, they also have 6 seconds to score a goal.

•

2

B

After a goal is scored or the ball goes out of bounds, a new ball will begin with the opposite goalkeeper.

•

There are no touch restrictions.

COACHING DETAIL: IN POSSESSION

Positioning one step behind the

WIDTH AND DEPTH

tage after taking their first touch.

C

pressuring defender will allow the receiver to have a greater advanA

B

B

When in possession, both players should provide width, with their

FIRST TOUCH

heels on the touchline. The goal-

Linking the concepts from the first

keeper provides the depth. This po-

activity, receive when possible with

sitioning will create a 4v2 scenario

the furthest foot away from pressure

against the defenders.

and take a first touch into free,

The central neutral player will prioritise

preferably forward, spaces.

positioning between the two defend-

Utilise small touches in tight spaces

ers, offering as an option to receive

and longer touches in open spaces.

behind defensive pressure while also

A

A

COACHING DETAIL: OFFENSIVE TRANSITION Once possession is recovered in the defensive half,

FREE PLAYER

use the goalkeeper to allow time to re-establish posi-

When circulating the ball, the

tioning to recreate the 4v2 scenario. In the attacking

2v1s

most dangerous pass is the one

half, quickly secure possession with a pass or drib-

Once initial positioning is estab-

that eliminates both defenders.

ble. The mindset should then be to score quickly.

lished, the players in wide areas

This could be a split pass to the

should use the no-touch restriction

neutral player, or a wide pass

to drive with the ball towards one

towards the free teammate behind

defender. This will force the defend-

the opposition pressure lines.

er to commit, allowing the ball-car-

Alternate short and long passes to

rier to pass to a free teammate.

invite defenders to leave their po-

Encourage collective defending, denying central

The receiver should look to main-

sitions, thus creating advantages

passes between teammates. Apply aggressive

tain a position one step behind

behind their line of pressure.

pressure after the first pass. When possession

creating space wide for teammates.

COACHING DETAIL: MANAGING THE OPPOSITION

the pressuring defender, and

is lost, apply a quick counter-press to try and

wide enough where the defender

recover the ball within the first two passes. If this

cannot intercept a pass.

is not possible, establish zonal defending.

WOMEN'S

Words & Interview: John Eager @john–eager

INDUCTEE #4:

DANIELLE WHITE TEAMS:

LFA DYNAMOS

LEAGUE:

CLAPHAM WOMEN’S FOOTBALL LEAGUE

In each issue, we celebrate a player who

her trophy haul. During the 2019 CWSFL Cup

deserves to have their grassroots career

Final against Franchester United, she inspired

up in lights by inducting them into The

her team to their first major cup win. Dani kept

Grassroots Post Hall of Fame. For Issue

a clean sheet alongside her fellow defend-

5, it’s Danielle White.

ers and also converted a penalty as her side

Danielle began her football journey in South London by playing with the boys at primary

stormed to a 5-0 win.

To take several years out of the game and

school, where she more than held her own.

then pick up like you never left off is a real

Aged fifteen, Danielle began playing in the

testament to Dani’s character and shows

Morden Little League on Saturdays and won

what an asset she is to the London Football

the League Trophy in 2006.

Academy. In 2021 she was appointed manag-

Once school came to an end, Danielle had

er of LFA Galaxy, a development team within

a short break from football. However, like most

the Academy. The decision to appoint Dani

people who live and breathe the beautiful game,

was a natural progression; she will also con-

Dani couldn’t stay away forever and got back

tinue to captain the Dynamos as she makes

into the game in 2014 following the birth of her

the transition from player to manager.

daughter. She joined the LFA Dynamos team at the London Football Academy. She instantly

From the onset we were blown away by

impressed, was made captain within months of

Dani’s attitude and warmth as well as her

joining, and hasn’t looked back since.

sheer skill on the pitch, and in her first sea-

Over the course of six years Danielle has

son as captain she won player of the season.

captained the side to two league titles and

Dani represents the ethos of our club. She’s

a major cup win in the Clapham Women’s

an excellent player, a strong ball-playing

Football League. Dani was also a part of the

centre-back, composed on the ball and a

side that won the league in 2017, but as she

strong aerial player. Beyond her ability, she

left midway through the season to have her

is a brilliant role model with a true sense of

second child, she graciously doesn’t add this to

team spirit and a genuine love for the game.

69

Her unwavering commitment to her

of our LFA teams, which she has taken

too. She is consistent, approacha-

team has seen her captaincy last seven

to really, really well. And all of this while

ble and has always strived to build

years and counting... here’s hoping it’ll

still looking after two kids!

positive relationships with players,

be many more.

Rishi Gujjalu

which undoubtedly contributes to the

Suresh Shan (Club Chairman at

(Manager at LFA Dynamos)

team’s morale and collaboration. It is

London Football Academy)

great to see her growth in pursuing an It has been an honour to play with

opportunity in coaching, especially at

Dani’s attitude, humbleness and com-

Dan. She’s a solid defender who is

a time when female representation in

petitiveness on the field makes her the

very calm and composed. It’s those

football is essential.

perfect captain for us. She reads the

qualities that allow her to not only be a

Nailah Nisbeth

game really well, knows where to posi-

great player but a captain and a coach

(Teammate at LFA Dynamos)

kicking the ball around with the other

finishing runners-up both times. The fol-

What does it mean to be inducted into

siblings. And at home, my brother and

lowing season I had left halfway through

The Grassroots Post Hall of Fame?

I were always breaking something

to have my son. We went on to win the

It means a lot to be put forward for this. I

while we had a very competitive 1v1

league that year! I was determined to win

feel very fortunate to even play the game

game in the living room! I joined the

with my team the following season which

I love, let alone be recognised for it.

boys’ school football team at the same

is what we did, alongside the league cup.

Thank you to The Grassroots Post. TGP

time as being a mascot for Crystal Pal-

To have that moment with my teammates

ace FC. Watching the fans singing and

and coaches meant a lot to me.

tion herself, when to commit and how to make the opposition do what she wants them to do. Dani never shirks from a challenge - she will always do her best to win and be there for her team. Honestly, she is invaluable to us - that’s why we asked her to coach one

IN HER WORDS: Tell us about when you fell in love with playing football?

My love for football started when I was around nine or ten. I was always at my brother’s games every weekend,

cheering around the stadium gave me such a happy feeling. This cemented

What do you love about

my love for the game.

grassroots football?

For me, I love grassroots football for the

Tell us about your grassroots career?

passion that the players and teams have

I have many highlights, such as being

for the game, including the social net-

selected as captain for my current team

work surrounding it. I like the encourage-

and scoring a goal in a cup final in front

ment it gives for players to improve their

of family and friends. My most valuable

abilities within communities. This is all

highlight was winning the league with

with a massive added benefit for mental

my team. For two consecutive seasons,

health, a huge thing the world is battling

we narrowly missed out on the top spot,

with right now.

EVERY ISSU INDUCT SOM E WE’LL EONE TGP'S HALL O ELSE INTO F FAME. — GOT SOMEO NE Y NOMINATE? OU’D LIKE TO EDITOR@GR PLEASE EMAIL ASSROOTSP OST.UK

MEN'S

Words: Paul Romans

Illustration: Millie Chesters @milliechesters

Dedicated to: Mark Lawson 1981–2019

MY GREATEST GAME EASTFIELD RESERVES VS WEST PIER RESERVES, 2001 My favourite game? As much as I enjoyed this one, it might not have been the first that sprung to mind if asked this question a few years ago. A night game at the end of the season against a side who had already won the league and every single game along the way, looking to add us to their list of hapless victims. We had a decent team, but it was always a bit of a mixed bag from week to week, depending on who turned up – so you can imagine how many cried off for this one.

Somehow, we pulled together a rag-tag of eleven men, consisting mainly of defenders (eight, if I remember correctly, including the lad who played in goal). Among the eleven was my very good friend Mark Lawson, who hadn’t played for around a year, but he was back home from uni so I managed to drag him along. As I went to the same uni a few months later I tried to drag him along to trials there, too, but he made the decision that it was more fun to watch me run whilst he sat and relaxed as if at an Amsterdam café.

So there we were, eleven lads thrown together for the most part, including Lawson who was probably wondering why he’d bothered once I’d finally told him the situation and who we were playing – not quite the evening kickabout I promised. He was playing centre-back alongside Macco, who himself was partial to a cigarette that might help him relax before kick-off, and as neither of them were blessed with pace, we decided together that we’d hold a line roughly around our 18-yard box and see how it went from there.

As it turned out, our tactics of hav-

ing eight defenders staying as deep and compact as possible became quite frustrating for the table-toppers. Everything that went in the air – BANG – headed away by Lawson or Macco, two lads who definitely knew what they were good at. Bodies were thrown in front of anything going towards our goal, which was basically everything, as possession was not going to happen with me. I’m a full-back through and through and was joined by another full-back in the middle of the park. Anything that got past Lawson and Macco was stopped brilliantly

by Sheads (or Big Fat Sheads, as he is now known), our young centre-back who’d reluctantly donned the gloves.

Then, on a rare foray into the opposition half late in the game, we nicked one courtesy of the enigmatic Leo Morton, himself home from uni as well. Twenty more minutes of the Alamo (one for the kids there) and we’d seen it through with the best scoreline in football, a hard-fought 1-0 win.

I played many games with Lawson before this, but I never played with him again. He was never interested in uni football, with its ties and drinking games, despite all of my attempts to get him there, and he suffered from a viral attack on his heart a few years later which massively impacted his health. He was an inspiration on the pitch when I played with him, particularly that night: twenty years old, hadn’t played in a year and an absolute rock. He was an inspiration off it too, grateful for every day amongst his health issues. Mark passed away unexpectedly in August 2019 at the age of thirty-eight, just weeks after being told there was the potential of a brighter future and recovery from his heart issues. Twenty-two years of friendship with a great bloke that started with this great game, the last time I got to experience being on the pitch with him. That’s my favourite game. TGP

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH Many thanks for giving us a read.

Issue 6 will be exactly where you found this one towards the middle of October.

Want to stock the paper for free in your grassroots venue?

Got a grassroots story that needs telling?

Email us on editor@grassrootspost.uk.

Issue 05: Editor: Mike Backler

Design: Alex Mertekis

Sub Editor: Lucy Mertekis

Words: Alicia Povey, Lucy Mertekis, Andrew Martin,

Images: Getty FC, Marc Morris, FA National Futsal

Shameek Farrell, Flavio Oliveira, Trevor Booking*,

Series, Alex Daniel, Gary Strutt, Westminster

Tom Overbury, Oliver Goodwin, Tayyiba Yunus,

Wanderers, George Simmos, Gem Atkinson

John Eager, Paul Romans

Illustrations: Millie Chesters

Special thanks: Danny Taeidy from Footy Addicts, Emily Harding at Newspaper Club, Matt Hall at Red Consultancy, Ben Williamson at YesRef, Juan Tapia Owens at Futsal Premier League, Trine Falnes at Spond, Sarah Pardus at Catapult, Drew Smith and Ian Dougherty from Powerleague, Kirsty McManus from Goals, Dan Tunna from Joymo, Kai Bowers at WOW Hydrate, Matt Hudsona nd Dan Church at MANvFAT, Matias Morgan at Coaches’ Voice, Lee Vesey and Shakiel Reid from Vesey UK, Curt Baker from FotMob, Matt Fletcher Jones and all of our stockists.

We work with a number of partners who not only enhance the grassroots game but also support us n our endeavours to give amateur football and the stories within it the coverage they deserve.

We’re a free paper, and without them, we would not exist.

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